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. 2004 Feb;17(1):7-19.
doi: 10.1055/s-2004-823066.

Medical treatment of ulcerative colitis

Uma Mahadevan  1
Affiliations

Medical treatment of ulcerative colitis

Uma Mahadevan. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2004 Feb.

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an increasing incidence worldwide. The medical management of this disease continues to expand as drugs to induce and maintain remission are sought to avoid the need for colectomy. This article will review the standard of care for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe ulcerative colitis. The efficacy, optimal usage, and adverse events profile of agents such as 5-aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, azathioprine, and cyclosporine will be discussed and an algorithm for their use will be developed. Alternative and experimental therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, probiotics, and heparin will also be addressed.

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis; cyclosporine; medical therapy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An algorithm for the medial management of mild, moderate, and severe ulcerative colitis. Progression along arrows is indicated if prior therapies fail.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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