Initial medical management of severe acute ulcerative colitis

Severe colitis is life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis, Earl y recognition of the severity of the colitis, intensive medical therapy and prompt surgery when necessary have all contributed to improved outcome. In itial medical treatment should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is ma de with an intravenous corticosteroid associated with supportive treatment. If the patient fails to response to this intensive treatment after 5-7 day s, cyclosporin should be initiated. If cyclosporin is not used then colecto my should he performed immediately. Moreover, significant deterioration at any point during medical therapy is an indication for colectomy. The gravit y of the patient's condition require close interaction between physician an surgeon.