Risk factors for recurrence and severity of an ulcerative colitis attack

Objective. To analyze risk factors for recurrence and severity of an ulcerative colitis (UC) attack. Material and methods. A retrospective study that included 315 medical records of UC patients (167 and 148 Inpatient and outpatient records, respectively) was conducted. Results. Patients with recurrent UC requiring hospitalization were observe to have statistically significantly increases In the duration of the disease, in the frequency of exacerbations/exacerbations in their history and the frequency of using biological agents, a younger age at the onset of UC, alow status of current smoking and ex-smoklng as compared with those in patients In remission. Severe UC was associated with the following factors: a young age at the onset of UC; a lower body mass index, a history of biological therapy; a positive fecal occult blood test at the time of hospitalization; lower hemoglobin and albumin levels; higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein; a large extent of intestinal damage; and deep ulcerative defects in the colon mucosa. Conclusion. Analysis of risk factors for recurrence and severity of an UC attack aids In the personalization of treatment, In the prediction of therapeutic response, In the evaluation of the likelihood of adverse effects, and in the optimization of the early diagnosis of the risk of relapse In UC and Its severe attack.