CLINICAL OUTCOME OF ULCERATIVE PROCTITIS IN CHILDREN

Background: Although the course of ulcerative proctitis in adults has been well described, little data are available concerning its clinical behavior in children and adolescents. This study sought to characteri ze the presentation, response to therapy, and long-term course of ulce rative proctitis in the pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at five pediatric gastroenterology centers . Results: A total of 38 subjects (mean age 11.6 years) were identifie d with ulcerative proctitis (mean follow-up 4.3 years). Symptoms were mild at diagnosis in 74% and moderate or severe in 26%. Thirty-two per cent had a complaint of constipation at presentation. Cessation of sym ptoms was noted in 68% within 3 months of therapy, an additional 24% w ithin 6 months, and 8% were still symptomatic despite 6 months of ther apy. During any subsequent yearly follow-up interval, similar to 55% o f patients were asymptomatic, 40% had a chronic intermittent course, a nd <5% were continuously symptomatic despite therapy. Eight subjects w ere treated with oral corticosteroids, one with B-mercaptopurine, and one with cyclosporine. Extension of inflammation proximal to the recto sigmoid occurred in 11 of 38 subjects (29%), 0.5-11.3 years postdiagno sis. Seven of the 13 subjects (54%) followed for greater than or equal to 5 years had proximal extension of disease, and two had undergone c olectomy. Conclusions: Despite a mild presentation in most subjects, u lcerative proctitis seems to have a high risk of proximal extension of disease. The overall response to therapy seems to be similar to that reported for ulcerative colitis in children. Follow-up endoscopic eval uation of patients with ulcerative proctitis seems warranted, especial ly in the setting of recurrent or recalcitrant symptoms.