Ulcerative colitis

Question 1

the drugs aminosalicylates are used for treating UC, what is a common side effect that may arise with using these drugs

Answer 1

agranulocytosis

Question 2

how would agranulocytosis present, what are the 3 main symptoms

Answer 2

fever
rigors
sore throat

Question 3

what would you need to investigate if you are worried about agranulocytosis in a UC patient on aminosalicylates

Answer 3

FBC

Question 4

which is considered to be a mild flare up of UC

<4 stool daily +/- blood
4-6 stools daily + systemic upset
>4 stool daily + blood

Answer 4

<4 stool daily +/- blood

Question 5

which is considered a moderate flare up of UC

<4 stool daily +/- blood
4-6 stools daily + systemic upset
>4 stool daily + blood

Answer 5

4-6 stools daily + systemic upset

Question 6

which is considered a severe flare up of UC

<4 stool daily +/- blood
4-6 stools daily + systemic upset
>4 stool daily + blood

Answer 6

> 4 stool daily + blood

Question 7

list 5 systemic symptoms that may be present in a flare up of UC

Answer 7

fever
tachycardia 
abdo tenderness 
reduced bowel sounds 
anaemia 
hypoalbuminaemia

Question 8

true/false

mild flare up of UC will present with deranged ESR+CRP values

Answer 8

false

mild flare up of UC has normal ESR + CRP values

Question 9

list 1 complication of a flare up of UC

Answer 9

toxic mega colon
increased risk of bowel cancer
osteoporosis

Question 10

how should manage a patient with >2 exacerbations of UC in 1 yr

Answer 10

NICE recommend starting thiopurines e.g. azathrioprine/mercaptopurine

Question 11

what is the aim of starting thiopurines in UC

Answer 11

to maintain reminssion