Ulcerative Colitis | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Ulcerative colitis is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon (large intestine) accompanied in severe cases by ulcers in the lining of the colon. It is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 30, although it can develop at any age, in both children and adults.

The majority of patients have inflammation in their rectum, which spreads along the colon to varying extents. The inflammation may be limited to the:

When more than just the left colon is affected, it is termed "extensive colitis." "Pancolitis" is the term used when the entire colon is inflamed.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition in which individuals experience both periods of active disease (flares/relapses) and periods of mild or inactive disease (remission). Typical symptoms include:

Typical treatments involve anti-inflammatory medications (5-aminosalicylates) or immunomodulators (medications that modulate or suppress the immune system). Occasionally, medical treatment fails and surgical removal of the diseased colon becomes necessary.

Ulcerative colitis is predominantly a disease of the the developed world, and is uncommon in the developing world, possibly due to a higher prevalence of intestinal infections in the developing world. The exact reasons why some individuals develop ulcerative colitis are unknown, although a number of inherited and environmental factors increase the risk of developing the disease.

It is currently believed that ulcerative colitis is caused by an inappropriate response by an individuals immune system to bacteria normally present in the colon. The evidence for the role of bacteria comes from the observation that animals that are susceptible to developing colitis due to genetic mutations do not develop inflammation if kept in a bacteria-free environment.

Although the colon normally contains over 1 billion bacteria, no single organism has been identified as the cause of ulcerative colitis. Similarly, the association between genetic mutations and ulcerative colitis is relatively weak, and thus no single genetic test for ulcerative colitis currently exists [1]. A variety of inherited deficiencies in the control of immune responses to bacteria in the colon may allow normally benign bacteria to invade the colon. Interestingly, ulcerative colitis is less common in smokers, and patients who stop smoking are at increased risk of a flare of the disease. Some speculate that nicotine or its metabolites may have protective properties in strengthening colonic defences. As the precise triggers for the disease are unclear, current treatment focuses on suppressing the immune response that has been activated.

The typical symptoms of someone with ulcerative colitis are frequent loose watery, and often bloody bowel movements [2]. Patients with severe disease can report moving their bowels15-20 times a day. Moderate to severe colitis also can cause diarrhea at,night, a strong urge to pass stool that is difficult to ignore (urgency) and, occasionally, inability to hold in bowel movements (incontinence). Prolonged diarrhea may lead to weight loss in severe cases and anemia if there is blood loss or severe enough inflammation. Yet, paradoxically, patients who have disease localized to the rectum can also be constipated. The extent of colon affected by the disease and the location, as well as disease severity influences which symptoms dominate.

Crampy abdominal pain is also common, often relieved by passing stool. The pain is usually on the lower left side, but may be across the entire abdomen. A feeling of distension and bloating may also be present. About 30-50% of patients experience symptoms outside the intestinal tract, including joint pains, skin rashes, and eye irritation. Fever may occur during severe flares of the disease. Anemia can occur due to blood loss. As with many chronic diseases, malnutrition, psychological stress, and work disability may become problematic as a consequence of persistent active disease. Fertility may be affected by active UC, as well as by medications or surgery for the disease.

Fatigue is not specific to UC but can be often occur with other issues. Fever, particularly low-grade (below 101F) can be caused by UC, but it is important to make sure there is no ongoing infection. Temperatures greater than 101F are usually due to other causes such as infection, and would require you to notify your health care provider.

Unfortunately the symptoms described above are not exclusive to ulcerative colitis. In young adults with new-onset diarrhea, infections of the colon are the most important causes to consider. After these infections have been excluded, ulcerative colitis is an important consideration.In addition to these bowel related symptoms, UC can cause symptoms which are outside the bowel (or extra-intestinal manifestations). Joint pains, particularly in the larger joints- hips, knees- can occur in more than 40 % of people. People may also experience eye and skin problems, mouth, and rectal sores.

Other conditions that produce similar symptoms to ulcerative colitis include:

All of the symptoms above require medical attention, but symptoms alone are insufficient to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, once the diagnosis is established, changes in symptoms are a reliable way of determining whether the disease is active or not.

The most accurate way to diagnose ulcerative colitis is by examining the colon with a fiber-optic endoscope inserted into the rectum. Asigmoidoscopy examines the lower third of the colon and requires minimal preparation. Acolonoscopy examines the full colon and requires a thorough bowel cleansing to ensure complete visualization of the lining of the colon. When ulcerative colitis is present, the lining of the colon appears swollen and inflamed, with surface bleeding and ulcers (if severe enough) usually in a continuous pattern. Tiny samples (biopsies) of the lining of the colon are taken during the procedure, so that a pathologist may examine them under the microscope for inflammatory changes (histology). This combination of endoscopy and histology is the gold standard for diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, in patients with signs of severe colitis, (a colonoscopy may be postponed, as the lining of the colon becomes very fragile and easy to damage with the endoscope, but a sigmoidoscopy would be done to assess the state of the disease).

Abdominal CT scans can detect thickening of the colonic lining, and identify the extent of involvement of the colon, but cannot distinguish between ulcerative colitis and other types of colitis (see above).

Examination of the stool under the microscope is important to exclude infections of the colon that can cause similar symptoms to ulcerative colitis. Even patients known to have ulcerative colitis can acquire these infections and develop worsening symptoms. Recognizing these infections is important, as the treatment for ulcerative colitis could worsen the infectious process.

In patients with diarrhea and abdominal pain, clues to the presence of ulcerative colitis in laboratory blood tests would include anemia (low Hemoglobin/Hgb and Hematocrit/HCT) and an elevation of inflammatory markers, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-Reactive Protein (CRP).

The majority of patients with ulcerative colitis respond to conventional medical therapy; less than 20% need surgery to remove their colon (colectomy). Most patients will experience improvement in symptoms with medications taken by mouth, although those with disease limited to the rectum often do better with topical agents (enemas, suppositories). Only 15% require admission to hospital for intravenous medications, and this most commonly occurs shortly after diagnosis. With treatment, about 50% of patients remain in remission for periods of months to years. Figure 2 highlights the main therapies used in ulcerative colitis. They are described in detail below.

5-ASA's are medications used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Although it is uncertain exactly how they work, the 5-ASAs appear to act topically on the GI tract (not by being absorbed into the blood stream)and exert an anti-inflammatory effect. There are a number of these agents available which can be delivered both orally or rectally. Depending on how each specific drug is designed, the active 5-ASA is released at various locations throughout the GI tract.

The original 5-aminosalicylate, known as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), has been used to treat IBD for decades. It is most effective for mild to moderate Crohn's disease, particularly when the disease affects the colon. The 5-ASA is bound to a compound called sulfapyridine, from which it detaches when it reaches the colon. Unfortunately, sulfasalazine has a number of side effects due to the part of the sulfapyridine molecule (moiety) to which it is attached, including symptoms such as nausea and headache, and up to 1/3 of patients cannot tolerate it over the long-term. Patients who have allergies to sulfa medications will also be intolerant of sulfasalazine. Patients who take Sulfasalazine must also take folic acid 1 mg daily, as the Sulfasalazine depletes folic acid stores.

Because many patients cannot tolerate sulfasalazine, other methods of delivering 5-ASA to the small intestine and colon have been developed that do not contain a sulfapyridine moiety. Almost all of the patients intolerant of sulfasalazine are able to take these other 5-ASA agents, which are designed to release 5-ASA at specific locations throughout the GI tract.

These medications include a free 5-ASA, known as mesalamine , which is enclosed within special capsules that release the active drug only when they reach the small intestine or colon. Asacol, Asacol HD, Apriso, and Lialda release the mesalamine in the terminal ileum and colon. Pentasa releases mesalamine throughout the small intestine and colon.

Other agents include 5-ASA bound to another 5-ASA molecule ( olsalazine , Dipentum) or a carrier molecule ( balsalazide , Colazal). These drugs release 5-ASA specifically to the colon.

One of the main issues with 5-ASA therapy is compliance. The pill burden can be substantial (4-12 pills per day). While the older drugs were designed to be taken three to four times a day, most physicians prescribe these medications twice a day to make it easier for patients to take, and this strategy appears to be just as effective. The newer 5-ASA's, Lialda, and Apriso, are approved for ulcerative colitis for once daily dosing, with as few as four pills delivering 4.8g of mesalamine. Currently, other pharmaceutical companies are working on similar designs to make administration of this class of drugs as easy for patients as possible.

Mesalamine also comes in enema (Rowasa) and suppository (Canasa) forms, which is ideal for patients with disease limited to the lower third of the colon or rectum, respectively. These formulations are used quite commonly in patients with ulcerative colitis. They are actually more effective that oral 5-ASA. Often times the rectal therapies are used in conjunction with oral 5-ASA.

Side-effects from 5-ASA compounds are uncommon , but may include abdominal pain, gas, nausea, hair loss, headache, and dizziness. An important side effect for patients and physicians to recognize is a paradoxical worsening of diarrhea, which is due either to an allergic-type reaction or an increase in the secretion of water by the small bowel. If diarrhea worsens with initiation of these agents, this should be considered as a possible cause, and the drug should be stopped. There also are a number of rare but more serious side-effects from 5-ASA compounds, including allergic-type reactions in the pancreas, lungs, kidneys, skin, and bone marrow. Kidney function should be monitored annually in patients on 5-ASA. Reduced sperm counts have been noted in the majority of men on sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), so this should be kept in mind for male patients who are trying to conceive. Headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting are seen much more commonly with sulfasalazine therapy. Allergy to sulfa (rash, fever), a decreased red or white blood cell count, and abnormal liver tests can also be associated with sulfasalazine. Regular monitoring of blood counts and liver tests should be carried out in patients who are receiving this medication. The majority of these adverse effects are reversible once the drug is stopped.

Like sulfasalazine, corticosteroids (or "steroids") have been used to treat IBD for decades and have become a mainstay of treatment for active flares. They are used to treat moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and when 5-aminosalicilates, and in some cases antibiotics, fail to control the disease. These drugs exert an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect and can be given by mouth, by rectum, or intravenously, depending on the location and severity of the disease.

Prednisone , the most commonly used oral steroid, produces consistent responses, and induces remission in about 70-80% of patients. Steroids also act quickly, with most patients noticing a response within one week.

Although steroids induce remission, they are not effective in the long-term to maintain remission. In addition, steroids are associated with a number of serious side-effects including low bone density (osteoporosis), diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), cataracts, psychosis, depression, increased risk of infections, acne, weight gain, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), and facial swelling. Steroids also cause the body's adrenal glands to stop producing their own endogenous steroid (cortisol). If the administered steroids are tapered off too quickly, the body can go into a "steroid withdrawal" or adrenal crisis. Once started, steroids are usually slowly reduced in dose over a number of weeks to prevent a sudden flare of the disease or adrenal crisis.

Patients who are on steroids also need to be on adequate amounts of calcium (1200mg) and vitamin D (800 IU). Some patients, with underlying osteopenia or osteoporosis, or patients who remain on steroids for prolonged periods of time, may require additional drugs (bisphosphonates) to prevent further bone loss. Bisphosphonates (alendronate or risedronate) have been shown to be useful in this situation, particularly in postmenopausal females and in those patients on long-term steroids.

Although steroids are effective in quickly inducing remission, a number of patients are unable to reduce their steroids without a worsening of their symptoms, and essentially become steroid-dependent. These patients require further medical or surgical therapy in order to help get them off of the steroids. In fact, studies have shown that one year after starting steroids approximately 25% of patients are steroid dependent and 25% of patients have required surgery. Less than 1/2 of patients are in remission and off steroids at one year. Therefore, once steroids are utilized to induce remission, other drugs are needed to help wean patients off of steroids, avoid surgery, and maintain remission. The agents typically used in this situation are known as immunomodulators,which will be discussed in greater detail below.

In addition to oral and intravenous formulations, corticosteroids are also available as intravenous (IV) and rectal formulations. Intravenous corticosteroids (methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) are used in patients with severe disease that require hospitalization. Steroids also come in rectal form and can be given as enemas (Cortenema), hydrocortisone acetate foam (Cortifoam, ProctoFoam HC), or suppositories.

Immunomodulators, or immunosuppressants, alter the body's immune response by inhibiting the inflammatory action of white blood cells. Since patients with ulcerative colitis are believed to have an overactive immune system as the cause of their uncontrolled GI inflammation, the use of a medication that tones down the immune response makes great sense. The immunomodulators used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol).

These immunomodulators have a role in several circumstances. Most often they are used to maintain remission in those patients who initially required steroids, in those who have become steroid dependent, and in patients with perianal fistulae. In patients with milder symptoms, immunomodulators can also be used to induce remission. The reason that they are not used to induce remission in sicker patients is that they have a slow onset of action of up to three months before taking effect.

Azathioprine (AZA) is the pro-drug (precursor) of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and breaks down to 6MP when it is absorbed into the bloodstream. These drugs may take six to 12 weeks to become effective. Over this time period, if patients are taking corticosteroids, the steroid dose is slowly reduced or tapered. These drugs appear to work to maintain remission in up to 2/3 of the patients. The dose of 6-MP/AZA is calculated based upon the patients' weight. Typically, prior to starting these drugs, a special blood test is checked to make sure the patient isn't at high risk for a low white blood count.

The most common side-effect of 6MP/AZA therapy is nausea. Interestingly, some patients who cannot tolerate 6MP due to nausea are able to tolerate AZA well, and vice-versa.

A small percentage of patients may be allergic to 6MP/AZA or develop inflammation of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. This occurs in 2% (2 out of 100 patients). The symptoms are an upper abdominal pain, and can be associated with nausea, and vomiting. If a patient develops this type of reaction to either drug, the other should not be used because the same reaction will develop. Once the medication is stopped, the pancreatitis usually quickly resolves.

Patients can also develop a low blood counts (typically white blood cells) or elevated liver tests (10% or 1 out of 10 patients) and therefore need frequent blood tests to monitor their blood cell counts and liver function. No matter how long one remains on the drug, these tests need to be continually monitored no less frequently than every three months, and more frequently at the initiation of therapy or after a dose change. There is now a test available that may identify those patients at greatest risk for developing a low white blood cell count. Also, it is now possible to measure the levels of the drug in the blood, known as metabolites. Assessing metabolite levels appears to be helpful in certain situations, such as assessing patients with suspected medication noncompliance, patients with abnormal liver tests, or patients who are not responding well to the 6MP/AZA.

Taking 6MP or AZA does put you at a slightly higher risk of both infection and lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes. However, these potential risks are often outweighed by their benefits. Each individual considering these agents should discuss the pros and cons with their physician.

Cyclosporine (Neoral) is an oral medication used as "rescue therapy' when patients with severe disease fail (do not respond to) steroids and are facing surgical removal of the colon. When patients require admission to hospital and intravenous steroids fail to improve their symptoms within a few days, intravenous cyclosporine has been shown to obtain short-term response rates of about 80%. It initially is given intravenously, and then orally, but is used as a bridge to more long term therapy (mercaptopurine). It is not used routinely in those with milder disease, as the side-effects of tremor, kidney damage, hypertension (high blood pressure), seizures, and infections are significant. However, it can get patients over the severe episode of colitis and allow them to consider continued medical treatments or planned (elective) surgery.

These drugs are specifically designed to bind to, and block the effects of TNF-, inflammatory protein or cytokine that is seen in high levels in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. There are currently three anti-TNF agents approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease, but only infliximab (Remicade), is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

Approximately 66% (2 out of 3) patients with ulcerative colitis will respond within the first two doses, and approximately 30-50% of those patients, will maintain response for up to one year.

Infliximab (Remicade) is a chimeric antibody, meaning that it is made up of material that is 25% mouse and 75% human. It is an antibody that binds to and blocks the effects of TNF -- an inflammatory, protein (cytokine) that is seen in high levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Infliximab has been in use to treat Crohn's disease since 1998 and was approved for treatment of ulcerative colitis in 2005. Even some of the extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD (discussed above) may respond to infliximab therapy.

Infliximab is given intravenously. Administration typically takes place over two to three hours, and is usually well tolerated. After the initial infusion of infliximab, patients typically are given another IV dose two weeks and six weeks later, after which the drug is administered at consistent eight week intervals. This regimen of giving the drug more frequently at the beginning and then regularly thereafter has been shown to be more effective than receiving the drug just "on demand" when the patient has symptoms of a flare.

Although infliximab may prove highly effective in the initial stages of treatment, unfortunately some patients may lose response to infliximab over time. In such cases, the drug may need to be administered more frequently than every eight weeks or the dose may need to be increased. Patients can also develop reactions to the medication, which usually occur during the infusion. Most infusion reactions are mild and take the form of flushing, fevers, aches, and pains, but they can be more severe with associated chest pain, shortness of breath, hives, or a drop in blood pressure. Most of these reactions can be managed by slowing or stopping the infusion and giving intravenous fluids along with antihistamines, acetaminophen, or corticosteroids. Rarely the reactions can be delayed and occur a few days after the infusion. These types of reactions usually consist of joint pains, muscle aches, rash, and occasionally a fever. The vast majority of the infusion reactions are not true allergies. Hence, infusions can usually be completed and often do not preclude further use of the drug.

Although there are side effects associated with these medications, it is important to remember that anti-TNF therapy is both safe and extremely effective for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. There is a small increased risk of infections, including tuberculosis, as well as rare risks of heart failure, multiple sclerosis, lymphoma, autoimmunity (lupus-like reactions), and liver dysfunction, including reactivation of hepatitis B. These risks are relatively low, but should be considered.

Ongoing infection is an absolute contraindication to the treatment with any anti-TNF inhibitor. Prior to initiating treatment with infliximab or adalimumab, patients must be screened to make sure that they do not have an asymptomatic infection with tuberculosis. This is usually accomplished with a skin test (PPD test) and a chest x-ray. Patients who were born in countries where TB is more common may require treatment for TB before starting therapy with an anti-TNF agent. We recommend annual screening for TB while on anti-TNF therapy. We also recommend testing for previous exposure to hepatitis B virus prior to initiation of anti-TNF therapy.

When one considers that bacterial elements are a trigger for the initial inflammation in ulcerative colitis, then manipulating colonic bacteria as a therapy makes sense. However, antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Flagyl (Metronidazole) have shown minimal clinical benefits in ulcerative colitis and are not routinely used. Ciprofloxacin is better tolerated than metronidazole, but still has rare side effects including headaches, nausea, and sun-sensitivity. There is also a very rare risk of tendon rupture. Patients on Ciprofloxacin are also at increased risk for clostridium difficile colitis, a type of antibiotic-induced colitis that can be severe and requires specific therapy with metronidazole or vancomycin, another antibiotic.

Side effects with metronidazole are not uncommon, especially at higher doses. Side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, metallic taste, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and dark urine. Numbness or tingling of the hands (peripheral neuropathy) is rare, but may be irreversible. If this occurs, the drug must be discontinued. Metronidazole can also react with alcohol and cause a rare, severe reaction (antabuse-like) of nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. As a result, most patients on short courses of metronidazole are cautioned to avoid alcohol.

There is some emerging evidence that Rifaximin (Xifaxan), a nonabsorbed antibiotic, is effective for the treatment of bacterial overgrowth and in small studies it has been shown to be effective in ulcerative colitis. It is a non-absorbed antibiotic that works by temporarily changing the mix of bacteria in the colon. There are no major side-effects, but it is unclear whether resistance by bacteria would become an issue in the long-term.

The agents listed above (except for antibiotics) are considered standard medical treatments for ulcerative colitis. Additionally, a number of complementary therapies are used by patients although very few have actually been studied in clinical trials. Clinical trials have found some benefits in a few complementary therapies. They can be considered in mildly active disease if an alternative or addition to 5-ASA is desirable. Patients taking any complementary therapies should let their physicians know.

Probiotics are organisms, either bacteria or fungus, that promote beneficial effects in the colon. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Saccharomyces and Streptobacillus are considered to have such protective properties. Probiotics are not uncommonly used by patients with IBD. The normal colon contains billions of bacteria, which compete with other detrimental organisms for survival in the "pea soup" of the normal colonic flora [5]. Single strains or combination of strains of some high-dose probiotics have been shown to produce similar results to mesalamine in inducing and maintaining a response in active ulcerative colitis. E.coli Nissle 1917, Bifidobacteria, Saccharomyces boulardii and a high-dose mix of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and Streptococcus ("VSL3") had beneficial effects in clinical studies. However, many of the probiotics sold in stores and over the Internet have not been tested in ulcerative colitis, and may be at lower concentrations than those used in clinical studies.

Both germinated barley foodstuff and psyllium (Metamucil, Fybogel) stimulate the growth of beneficial colonic bacteria, and have been reported to improve symptoms in mildly active disease. Aloe vera capsules and curcumin were also shown in one study each to be better than placebo (dummy pill) in improving symptoms in mild ulcerative colitis. Other agents that may improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis include wheat grass juice, Jian Pi Ling tablets, Kui jie qing enemas, acupuncture with moxibustion, and bovine colostrum enemas [6]. In addition, some patients report benefits with a restricted carbohydrate diet, known as the "Specific Carbohydrate Diet". Most of these treatments have not been compared to placebo in measuring objective outcomes like colonic healing, which is considered the benchmark to assess any therapy. Investigational treatments

Novel treatments for ulcerative colitis are currently under development or in clinical trials . The novel treatments include:

Access to these therapies is currently only available through clinical trials as they are not F.D.A. approved for ulcerative colitis.

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Ulcerative Colitis | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center