Cure8 research brief
A nationwide clinician survey identifies major variation in how acute severe ulcerative colitis is diagnosed, monitored, and when rescue therapy or surgery is used — differences that can affect patient outcomes and access to recommended care.
Gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, hospital leaders, guideline authors, and patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis
The study surveyed 228 gastroenterologists across India about five domains of ASUC care: provider/institution characteristics, initial management, diagnostics, infectious work-up, and strategies for rescue therapy.
Most used Truelove and Witts criteria to diagnose ASUC, preferred intravenous hydrocortisone as the steroid, and used Oxford criteria to assess steroid response.
Practices varied on obtaining CMV biopsies during sigmoidoscopy, nutritional assessment, use of low molecular weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis, timing to start rescue therapy (many start on or after day 5), and early colorectal surgery involvement.
The authors conclude there is considerable heterogeneity and call for standardized, context-specific guidance and education.
This is a cross-sectional, web-based survey of practicing gastroenterologists reporting their usual practices (structured abstract). It describes practice patterns but does not measure clinical outcomes or test interventions.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The 1955 Truelove and Witts criteria do not account for patients already on modern outpatient therapies. Updated consensus criteria could change how ASUC is recognized and triaged in current clinical practice.
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This study suggests tofacitinib may work quickly as a rescue option for biologic‑naive patients with steroid‑refractory ASUC and that many achieved steroid‑free remission by 24 weeks — information that could matter when...
