Predictive value of inflammatory and coagulation parameters in the course of severe ulcerative colitis

Alterations in markers of coagulation have been found in patients with infl ammatory bowel disease. Our aim was to study the predictive value of coagul ation and inflammatory parameters in the course of severe ulcerative coliti s. Twenty-seven patients were included. The disease course was followed for one year. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive pr edictive value, and likelihood ratio, as well as the clinical predictive va lue of laboratory variables were calculated. Inflammatory variables, such a s ESR, CRP, and leukocyte and platelet count showed poor diagnostic accurac y. Several coagulation parameters, such as fibrinogen and fibrin(ogen) degr adation products, were increased in patients with active ulcerative colitis , whereas coagulation factor XIII was decreased. No significant relationshi p between clinical course and coagulation parameters was demonstrated, thou gh both inflammatory and coagulation parameters were useful in the assessme nt of disease activity in patients with active ulcerative colitis.