Optimal management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (Asuc): Challenges and solutions

Abstract

Acute severe colitis is a severe complication of ulcerative colitis, affecting approximately 20% of patients. For physicians, it remains a challenging condition to treat. Current treatment algorithms have diminished the mortality associated with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC), but colectomy rates remain high (approximately 30%) despite advances in therapy. Colectomy in ASUC is particularly associated with important post-operative complications and morbidity. In this review, reasons for the inability to improve care and avoid evolution to colectomy for ASUC are explored and solutions that might lead to a better management of the disease are investigated.