Treatment Flashcards
summary treatment
- IV fluids
- IV steroids - only once infective/ischaemic colitis is ruled out
- GI rest
If they fail to settle….
Rescue medical therapy - can get more potent immunosuppressants
Surgery - can remove the affected colon
what is the 1st step in the ladder of treatment for UC?
5ASA
what are the side effects of 5ASA
diarrhoea, idiosyncratic nephritis (have to check renal function before starting treatment)
what are two examples of 5ASA
sulfasaline and mesalazine
5 ASA is an ____ ______ drug
anti-inflammatory
what is the 2nd step in the ladder of treatment for UC?
steroids
examples of steroids
budesonide and prednisolone
Patients are given a short course which is tapered as the weeks go on - high dose initially
Why? ]
Why? Because some patients may become dependent on them
what are the musculoskeletal side effects of steroids
Osteoporosis
Avascular necrosis
Proximal myopathy
what are the GI side effects of steroids
nausea , vomiting and gastritis
what are the cutaneous side effects of steroids
acne and thinning of the skin
what are the metabolic side effects of steroids
Makes you want to eat all the time so can lead to weight gain, diabtes and hypertension
what are the neuropsychiatric side effects of steroids
Can get loads of energy and do manic things
Once off treatment patients can become depressed
Can disrupt sleep pattern
can also get ____ and ___ failure on steriods
cataracts, growth failure
immunosuppressants are thiopurine based medicines: azathioprine/mercaptopurine (6MP)
give and example
methotrexate