UC Flashcards
Definition
Relapsing remitting idiopathic inflammatory condition of colonic mucosa. Common in rectum. Expands proximally.
Pan colitis and backwash ileitis
Continuous pattern. Mucosal inflammation.
Extra intestinal problems in both IBDs-
arthritis
skin eg erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, psoriasis.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Eye problems.
Aetiology
Unknown.
Some genetic susceptibility. Likely AI triggered by colonic bacteria.
Hyperaemic colonic mucosa possibly with inflammatory pseudopolyps. TH2 production of TGF and IL5.
Puctate ulcers into lamina propria.
Not transmural.
Possibly gut organism altered interaction.
Triggers possibly AB, infection, diet.
Smoking makes better.
Symptoms
Episodic or chronic diarrhoea possibly with blood and mucous.
Colicky abdo pain, not very severe. Tender, distended.
Urgency or tenesmus
Systemic symptoms during attacks- fever, malaise, anorexia, weight loss.
Eye pain and inflammation.
Signs
Possibly none. In acute sever- fever, tachy, tender distended abdo. Clubbing Ulcer Erythema nodosum Conjunctivitis, iritis Arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Fatty liver CholangioCA Amyloidosis Pyoderma gangrenosum Thrombosis Chronic gastritis Toxic megacolon Sclerosing cholangitis Crypt abcesses Linear ulcerations.
Differentials
Crohns IBS Protozoa or parasite Neoplasm Ischaemic bowel disease Diverticulitis Polyposis, colon polyps Rectal ulcer Acute self limiting colitis Drugs eg chemo, NSAIDs.
Management
Stepwise:
Nutrition
Topical 5-aminosalicyclates- rectal or oral, for flare and remission, eg sulfasalazine, mesalazine.
Oral CS if severe eg prednisolone for flares only.
Immunomodulators eg azathioprine.
Oral tacrolimus T inhibitor.
Anti TNF eg infliximab
New mAbs.
Surgery can cure- do if inflammation not settle, preCA change, toxic megacolon.
Pathology
CI filtrate of lamina propria. Crypt abcesses and distortion. Less goblet cells. Pseudopolyps. Loss haustra. Friable mucosa.
Investigation
Bloods- anaemia, serum markers. FBC, CRP, ESR, UE, LFT, Fe, B12, culture.
Stool culture
AXR lead pipe or spotty inflammation, mucosal thickening. Also exclude dilation.
Barium enema
CT or MRI
Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy with biopsy- infiltrate, goblet depletion, mucosal ulcer, crypt abcess.
Complications
Perforation=peritonitis, sepsis Bleeding Toxic dilation Venous thrombosis Colorectal CA big risk Psychological and sexual dysfunction
Anti proliferative immunosuppressant eg Azathioprine
Inhibits purine metabolism once cleaved to 6-MP.
IBD maintenance tx.
AE- bm suppression, neutropenia, high risk malignancy and infection, hepatitis.
Monitor FBC and LFT
Test for TPMT metabolising enzyme levels first
Sulfasalazine
T cell and neutrophil inhibition.
Some efficacy in IBD
safe in pregnancy.
AE- rash, low sperm count, mouth ulcer, fatigue, myelosuppression, heapatitis, nausea, headache.
Explanation
- UC happens when you get inflammation of your large bowel which is involved in water absorption. The inflammation causes damage to the lining and wall of the bowel, causing pain and diarrhoea.
- it will often come in phases. If left alone it can cause complications like ulcers and cancer. Also bleeding, perforation, dilation.
- lifestyle requires good nutrition.
- medical treatment includes tablets to prevent the immune system from causing the inflammation. Surgery can be an option down the line if these things dont work.