ulcerative colitis Flashcards
what is it
chronic inflammatory disorder confined to colon and rectum
caused by
- genetics
- NSAIDs
what decreases risk
smoking
appendectomy
what is it called when it just affects rectum
proctitis
what is it called when it affects whole colon
extensive colitis
what does mucosa look like
red and inflamed
does mucosa bleed easily
yes
are polyps present
yes
is there ulceration
yes
can the mucosa return. to normal
yes but scarring likely
what is there a depletion of
goblet cells
what are serological test for
anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)
what is main symptom
diarrhoea with blood and mucus
Where is there discomfort
lower abdomen
what are general features
- malaise
- lethargy
- anorexia
- weight loss
what is proctitis characterised by
frequent passage of blood and mucus
symptoms of an acute attack on left side
bloody diarrhoea passing up to 10-20 liquid stools a day
what is a serious complication
toxic megacolon
what’s required for toxic megacolon
urgent surgery
what is rectal exam shows
blood
pANCA result
positive
what is gold standard
colonoscopy
1st line treatment
5 ASA
is onset fast or slow
fast - number of weeks
are granulomas present
no
are crypts regular
no - irregular
what are at the base of crypts
plasma cells
complications
- toxic megacolon
- colorectal carcinoma
- primary sclerosing cholangitis
- blood loss
what is required for toxic megacolon
surgical emergency
what scoring system is used
MUST score
what antibodies are checked for
pANCA
what would be seen on endoscopy
psuedopolyps
what is given for a flare up
prednisolone
what has to be monitored in azathioprine
- bone marrow suppression
- hepatitis
- pancreatitis
