Extension of ulcerative colitis.

Background/aims: It is known that ulcerative proctitis might show extension, but in practice, patients with proctitis are not considered as important with regard to regular follow-up and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extension of ulcerative colitis cases limited to the rectum and compare them with the patients with rectosigmoid and left colonic ulcerative colitis for their features, risk factors influencing the extension and natural course of the disease.

Methods: The study involved 193 (62 rectal, 49 rectosigmoid and 82 left-sided) ulcerative colitis patients.

Results: Fourteen percent of the patients showed extension to at least one proximal segment in 3.9±2.9 (range: 0.8-12) years. The extension was found as 16.1% in proctitis, 12.2% in rectosigmoiditis and 13.4% in left-sided colitis groups. Extension was found 2.79-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.1-7.1) higher in patients with chronic active disease. Further, the patients with amoebic attacks, those under steroid treatment and those without treatment showed higher risk for extension.

Conclusions: Patients with proctitis, like the patients presenting with more extensive colitis, should be offered regular treatment and follow-up.