Requerimientos terapéuticos en el tratamiento de mantenimiento de la proctitis ulcerosa

Introduction

In population-based studies, ulcerative proctitis (UP) accounts for more than 25% of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and presents distinctive clinical outcomes and therapeutic approaches as compared to left-sided and extensive UC. Our aim was to describe the different therapeutic approaches and health resources used in patients with UP in clinical remission.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective observational study including patients with UP that were followed in our Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol between 1989-2014. Clinical information and the different treatments for the maintenance of remission were recorded, including galenical formulation.

Results

A total of 101 patients with UP were included. Median time of follow up was 8 years (IQR 3-14). Most patients were treated with topical mesalazine (especially suppositories) (89%); followed by oral mesalazine (55%). The 33% of patients underwent combined therapy with oral and topical mesalazine. Another 12% were treated with topical steroids for maintenance therapy and 3% of patients required thiopurines. The 10% of patients attended to Emergency Service and 4% were hospitalized for disease activity within follow-up. None of them required colectomy.

Conclusions

Topical mesalazine is the most used maintenance treatment in UP patients in our clinical practice, suggesting both a good acceptance by patients and a high degree of confidence for doctors. UP is associated with a low requirement of health resources, although studies focused on the quality of life are needed.