Ulcerative Colitis : A Literature Review

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, with unknown etiology. Various risk factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, immunity and environment, are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of UC. This disease has a high incidence in both developed and developing countries so it is a global concern. Ulcerative colitis sufferers experience mucosal inflammation that starts from the rectum and can spread to the proximal segment of the large intestine. Typical symptoms that appear are bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, stool urgency, and tenesmus. The diagnosis of UC is made based on symptoms consistent with UC as well as endoscopic evidence showing persistent and spreading colonic inflammation starting in the rectum. There are several classes of drugs used to treat this disease. Mild to moderate UC uses oral and rectal 5-aminosalycilates. Meanwhile, moderate to severe UC with treatment classes includes thiopurines, biological agents that target tumor necrosis factor and integrins, and small molecule Janus kinase inhibitors.