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Current Gastroenterology Reports
Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports 3/2018

01-03-2018 | Large Intestine (B Cash, Section Editor)

Contemporary Management of Ulcerative Colitis

Authors: Rohini Vanga, Millie D. Long

Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We discuss the newest evidence-based data on management of ulcerative colitis (UC). We emphasize risk-stratification, optimizing medical therapies, and surgical outcomes of UC.

Recent Findings

Recent medical advances include introduction of novel agents for UC. Vedolizumab, an anti-adhesion molecule, has demonstrated efficacy in moderate to severe UC. Tofacitinib, a small molecule, has also demonstrated efficacy. Data on optimization of infliximab show the superiority of combination therapy with azathioprine over monotherapy with infliximab or azathioprine alone. Data on anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF) therapeutic drug monitoring also hold promise, as do preliminary data on the dose escalation of infliximab in severe hospitalized UC. Surgical outcome data are reassuring, with new fertility data showing the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization.

Summary

UC management is multi-disciplinary and changing. While novel therapies hold promise, better optimization of our current arsenal will also improve outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Contemporary Management of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors
Rohini Vanga
Millie D. Long
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Gastroenterology Reports / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1522-8037
Electronic ISSN: 1534-312X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-018-0622-0

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