Management of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease:An upto-date review

Perianal disease is one of the most disabling manifestations of Crohn's disease.A multidisciplinary approach of gastroenterologist,colorectal surgeon and radiologist is necessary for its management.A correct diagnosis,based on endoscopy,magnetic resonance imaging,endoanal ultrasound and examination under anesthesia,is crucial for perianal fistula treatment.Available medical and surgical therapies are discussedin this review,including new local treatment modalities that are under investigation.

Tight junctions in inflammatory bowel diseases and inflammatory bowel disease associated colorectal cancer

Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterised by inflammation that compromises the integrity of the epithelial barrier. The intestinal epithelium is not only a static barrier but has evolved complex mechanisms to control and regulate bacterial interactions with the mucosal surface. Apical tight junction proteins are critical in the maintenance of epithelial barrier function and control of paracellular permeability. The characterisation of alterations in tight junction proteins as key players in epithelial barrier function in inflammatory bowel diseases is rapidly enhancing our understanding of critical mechanisms in disease pathogenesis as well as novel therapeutic opportunities. Here we give an overview of recent literature focusing on the role of tight junction proteins, in particular claudins, in inflammatory bowel diseases and inflammatory bowel disease associated colorectal cancer.

Therapy with stem cells in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects a part of the young population and has a strong impact upon quality of life. The underlying etiology is not known, and the existing treatments are not curative. Furthermore, a significant percentage of patients are refractory to therapy. In recent years there have been great advances in our knowledge of stem cells and their therapeutic applications. In this context, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used in application to severe refractory Crohn’s disease (CD), with encouraging results. Allogenic HSCT would correct the genetic defects of the immune system, but is currently not accepted for the treatment of IBD because of its considerable risks. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immune regulatory and regenerative properties, and low immunogenicity (both autologous and allogenic MSCs). Based on these properties, MSCs have been used via the systemic route in IBD with promising results, though it is still too soon to draw firm conclusions. Their local administration in perianal CD is the field where most progress has been made in recent years, with encouraging results. The next few years will be decisive for defining the role of such therapy in the management of IBD.

Associations between NOD2/CARD15 genotype andphenotype in Crohn’s disease-Are we there yet?

There have been multiple NOD2/CARD15 genotype- phenotype analyses undertaken in patients with Crohn’s disease since the gene’s discovery in 2001. This review focuses on the major published series based upon their size and on the presence of specific clinical and genetic information provided in the published material from 2001 to 2005. Twelve studies provided raw data to carry out comparisons of disease location while ten studies included analysis of NOD2/CARD15 genotypes. NOD2/CARD15 variant frequency in ileal disease did not differ significantly among studies, whereas a comparison of disease location demonstrated highly significant differences among studies. Meta-analysis confirmed significant associations between NOD2/CARD15 variants and both ileal and ileocolonic disease locations, and with both stricturing and penetrating forms of disease behavior. This review underlines the significant phenotypic differences that exist among populations, including similar ethnic groups, and has demonstrated the need for further studies of patients with long-term “inflammatory” Crohn’s disease.

Risk of postoperative recurrence and postoperative management of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract with systemic manifestations. Etiology is unknown, even if immunological, genetic and environmental factors are involved. The majority of CD patients require surgery during their lifetime due to progressive bowel damage, but, even when all macroscopic lesions have been removed by surgery, the disease recurs in most cases. Postoperative management represents therefore a crucial mean for preventing recurrence. Several drugs and approaches have been proposed to achieve this aim. Endoscopic inspection of the ileocolic anastomosis within 1 year from surgery is widely encouraged, given that endoscopic recurrence is one of the greatest predictors for clinical recurrence. A strategy should be planned only after stratifying patients according to their individual risk of recurrence, avoiding unnecessary therapies when possible benefits are reduced, and selecting high-risk patients for more aggressive intervention.

Open label trial of granulocyte apheresis suggests therapeutic efficacy in chronically active steroid refractory ulcerative colitis

AIM： To study the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of a granulocyte adsorptive type apheresis system for the treatment of patients with chronically active ulcerative colitis despite standard therapy. METHODS： An open label multicenter study was carried out in 39 patients with active ulcerative colitis （CAI 6-8） despite continuous use of steroids （a minimum total dose of 400 mg prednisone within the last 4 wk）. Patients received a total of five aphereses using a granulocyte adsorptive technique （Adacolumn, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe, UK）. Assessments at wk 6 and during follow-up until 4 mo comprised clinical （CAI） and endoscopic （EI） activity index, histology, quality of life （IBDQ）, and laboratory tests. RESULTS： Thirty-five out of thirty-nine patients were qualified for intent-to-treat analysis. After the apheresis treatment at wk 6, 13/35 （37.1%） patients achieved clinical remission and 10/35 （28.6%） patients had endoscopic remission （CAI〈4, EI〈4）. Quality of life （IBDQ） increased significantly （24 points, P〈0.01） at wk 6. Apheresis could be performed in all but one patient. Aphereses were well tolerated, only one patient experienced anemia. CONCLUSION： In patients with steroid refractory ulcerative colitis, five aphereses with a granulocyte/ monocyte depleting filter show potential short-term efficacy. Tolerability and technical feasibility of the procedure are excellent.

Vedolizumab for inflammatory bowel disease:from randomized controlled trials to real-life evidence

The biologic antitumor necrosis factor alpha(anti-TNFα) agents have revolutionised the treatment of inflammatorybowel disease(IBD). However,some patients experience primary nonresponse,loss of response,or intolerance. Therefore,introducing a newer class of therapy with a mechanism of action that acts on different inflammatory pathways involved in IBD pathogenesis is appealing. Vedolizumab is a fully humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively targets α4β7 integrin. Based on the results of the pivotal clinical GEMINI trials,vedolizumab was approved for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis(UC) and Crohn's disease(CD) refractory or intolerant to either conventional therapy or TNFα inhibitors. This review describes the efficacy,safety,and tolerability of vedolizumab reported in both randomized,controlled,clinical trials and from real-world experience in patients with UC and CD in order to identify its place in treatment algorithms for IBD.

Current practice and clinicians' perception of medication non-adherence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:A survey of 98 clinicians

AIMThe survey ascertains perceptions and describes current practice of clinicians regarding medication non-adherence in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. METHODSGastroenterologists, trainees and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specialist nurses from the United Kingdom were invited to a web based survey collecting data on clinician demographics, patient volume and level of interest in IBD. Respondents were asked to estimate non-adherence levels and report use of screening tools and interventions to improve adherence. RESULTSNon-adherence was seen as an infrequent problem by 57% of 98 respondents. Levels of non-adherence were estimated lower than evidence suggests by 29% for mesalazine (5ASA), 26% for immunomodulators (IMM) and 21% for biologics (BIOL). Respondents reporting non-adherence as a frequent problem were more likely to report adherence levels in line with evidence (5ASA P P = 0.012; BIOL P = 0.015). While 80% regarded screening as important only 25% screen regularly (40% of these with validated assessment tools). Respondents stated forgetfulness, beliefs about necessity of medication and not immediately apparent benefits as the main reasons for non-adherence. Patient counselling on benefits and risks of medication was a commonly used intervention. CONCLUSIONClinicians treating IBD patients frequently underestimate non-adherence and use of validated screening tools is infrequent. Most respondents identified the main factors associated with non-adherence in line with evidence and often counselled patients accordingly. Professional education should focus more on non-adherence practice to avoid adverse treatment outcomes associated with non-adherence.

Factors associated with surgery in patients with intra-abdominal fistulizing Crohn's disease

AIM To characterize radiological and clinical factors associated with subsequent surgical intervention in Crohn's disease(CD) patients with intra-abdominal fistulae.METHODS From a cohort of 1244 CD patients seen over an eight year period(2006 to 2014), 126 patients were identified as having intra-abdominal fistulae, and included in the study. Baseline patient information was collected from the medical records. Imaging studies were assessed for: anatomic type and number of fistulae; diameter of the inflammatory conglomerate; length of diseased bowel; presence of a stricture with pre-stenotic dilatation; presence of an abscess; lymphadenopathy; and the degree of bowel enhancement. Multivariate analysis for the prediction of abdominal surgery was calculated via Generalized Linear Models.RESULTS In total, there were 193 fistulae in 132 patients, the majority(52%) being entero-enteric. Fifty-nine(47%) patients underwent surgery within one year of the imaging study, of which 36(29%) underwent surgery within one month. Radiologic features that were associated with subsequent surgery included: multiple fistulae(P = 0.009), presence of stricture(P = 0.02), and an entero-vesical fistula(P = 0.01). Evidence of an abscess, lymphadenopathy, or intense bowel enhancement as well as C-reactive protein levels was not associated with an increased rate of surgery. Patients who were treated after the imaging study with combination immunomodulatory and anti-TNF therapy had significantly lower rates of surgery(P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, presence of a stricture [RR 4.5(1.23-16.3), P = 0.02] was the only factor that increased surgery rate.CONCLUSION A bowel stricture is the only factor predicting an increased rate of surgery. Radiological parameters may guide in selecting treatment options in patients with fistulizing CD.

Use of granulocyte/monocytapheresis in ulcerative colitis:A practical review from a European perspective

Half of the patients with ulcerative colitis require at least one course of systemic corticosteroids in their lifetime.Approximately 75%of these patients will also require immunosuppressive drugs(i.e.,thiopurines or biological agents)in the mid-term to avoid colectomy.Immunosuppressive drugs raise some concerns due to an increased risk of serious and opportunistic infections and cancer,particularly in elderly and co-morbid patients,underlining the unmet need for safer alternative therapies.Granulocyte/monocytapheresis(GMA),a CE-marked,non-pharmacological procedure for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(among other immune-mediated diseases),remains the only therapy targeting neutrophils,the hallmark of pathology in ulcerative colitis.GMA has proven its efficacy in different clinical scenarios and shows an excellent and unique safety profile.In spite of being a first line therapy in Japan,GMA use is still limited to a small number of centres and countries in Europe.In this article,we aim to give an overview from a European perspective of the mechanism of action,recent clinical data on efficacy and practical aspects for the use of GMA in ulcerative colitis.

Pathogenesis of Crohn's disease: Bug or no bug

The possibility of an infectious origin in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)has been postulated since the first description of Crohn’s disease(CD).Many observations implicate bacteria as a trigger for the development of CD:lesions occur in regions with higher bacterial concentrations;aphthous ulcers occur in Peyer’s patches;inflammation resolves when the fecal stream is diverted and is reactivated following reinfusion ofbowel contents;severity of the disease is correlated with bacterial density in the mucosa;granulomas can contain bacteria;and susceptible mice raised in germfree conditions develop inflammation when bacteria are introduced in the 1990’s,several studies sought to establish a relationship with viral infections and the onset of IBD,finally concluding that no direct link had been demonstrated.In the past fifteen years,evidence relating IBD pathogenesis to Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis,salmonella,campylobacter,etc.,has been found.The tendency now under discussion to regard microbiota as the primary catalyst has led to the latest studies on microbiota as pathogens,focusing on Escherichia coli,mainly in ileal CD.The present review discusses the literature available on these"bugs".

Impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease on the quality of life of Polish patients

BACKGROUND Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious health and social problem leading to a considerable decrease in the quality of life of patients. Among the risk factors associated with reflux symptoms and that decrease the quality of life are stress, overweight and an increase in body weight. The concept of healthrelated quality of life (HRQL) covers an expanded effect of the disease on a patient’s wellbeing and daily activities and is one of the measures of widely understood quality of life. HRQL is commonly measured using a selfadministered, disease-specific questionnaires. AIM To determine the effect of reflux symptoms, stress and body mass index (BMI) on the quality of life. METHODS The study included 118 patients diagnosed with reflux disease who reported to an outpatient department of gastroenterology or a specialist hospital ward for planned diagnostic tests. Assessment of the level of reflux was based on the frequency of 5 typical of GERD symptoms. HRQL was measured by a 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and level of stress using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Multi-variable relationships were analyzed using multiple regression. RESULTS Eleven models of analysis were performed in which the scale of the SF-36 was included as an explained variable. In all models, the same set of explanatory variables: Gender, age, reflux symptoms, stress and BMI, were included. The frequency of GERD symptoms resulted in a decrease in patients’ results according to 6 out of 8 SF-36 scales- except for mental health and vitality scales. Stress resulted in a decrease in patient function in all domains measured using the SF-36. Age resulted in a decrease in physical function and in overall assessment of self-reported state of health. An increasing BMI exerted a negative effect on physical fitness and limitations in functioning resulting from this decrease. CONCLUSION In GERD patients, HRQL is negatively determined by the frequency of reflux symptoms and by stress, furthermore an increasing BMI and age decreases the level of physical function.

Role of the advanced glycation end products receptor in Crohn's disease inflammation

AIM:To investigate the level of mucosal expression and the involvement of the receptor for the advanced glycation end products(RAGE)in delayed apoptosis and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αproduction in Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:Surgical and endoscopic specimens from both inflamed and non-inflamed areas of the ileum and/or colon were collected from 20 and 14 adult CD patients,respectively,and used for the assessment of RAGE expression by means of immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis.Normal tissues from 21 control subjects were used for comparison.The same polyclonal anti-human RAGE antibody(R and D System)was used in all experimental conditions.RAGE staining was quantized by a score including both the amount of positive cells and intensity of immunoreactivity;cellular pattern was also described.The effects of RAGE blocking on apoptotic rate and TNF-αproduction were investigated on immune cells freshly isolated from CD mucosa and incubated both with and without the muramyl dipeptide used as antigenic stimulus.Statistical analysis was performed via the test for trend,with regression models to account for intra-patient correlations.A 2-sided P<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS:In inflamed areas,RAGE expression in both the epithelial and lamina propria compartments was higher than control tissues(P=0.001 and 0.021,respectively),and a cluster of positive cells were usually found in proximity of ulcerative lesions.Similar results were obtained in the lamina propria compartment of non-inflamed areas(P=0.025).The pattern of staining was membranous and granular cytosolic at the epithelial level,while in the lamina propria it was diffuse cytosolic.When evaluating the amount of protein expression by immunoblotting,a significant increase of both surface area and band intensity(P<0.0001 for both)was observed in CD inflamed areas compared to control tissue,while in non-inflamed areas a significant increase was found only for band intensity(P<0.005).Moreover,a significantly lower expression in noninflamed areas in comparison with inflamed areas was found for both surface area and band intensity(P<0.0006 for both).Finally,RAGE blocking largely affects both the apoptotic rate of mucosal cells(towards an increase in both non-inflamed and inflamed areas of P<0.001 and<0.0001,respectively)and TNF-αsecretion(towards a decrease in both non-inflamed and inflamed areas of P<0.05 and<0.01,respectively),mainly in the presence of antigenic stimulation.CONCLUSION:RAGE is up-regulated in CD,especially in inflamed areas,and it appears to play a role in the mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation.

What is the best way to manage screening for infections and vaccination of inflammatory bowel disease patients?

The use of biological agents and immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, in particular of viral or bacterial etiology. Despite the existence of international guidelines, many gastroenterologists have not adopted routine screening and vaccination in those patients with IBD, which are candidate for biologic therapy. Available strategies to screen, diagnose and prevent bacterial and viral infections in patients with IBD prior to start biological therapy are discussed in this review.

Review of vedolizumab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

The review summarises the key data on the efficacy and the safety of vedolizumab in the management of ulcerative colitis.

Clinical and economic impact of infliximab one-hour infusion protocol in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases:A multicenter study

AIM To assess the impact of short infliximab(IFX) infusion on hospital resource utilization and costs.METHODS All inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD) patients who received IFX 1 h infusion from March 2007 to September 2014 in eight centers from Southern Italy were included in the analysis. Demographic, clinical and infusion related data were collected. The potential benefits related to the short infusion protocol were assessed both in terms of time saving and increased infusion unit capacity. In addition, indirect patient-related cost savings were evaluated.RESULTS One hundred and twenty-five patients were recruited(64 with ulcerative colitis and 61 with Crohn's disease). Median duration of disease was of 53 mo and mean age of pts at diagnosis was of 34 years(SD: ± 13). Adverse infusion reactions were reported in less than 4% both before and after short infusion. The total number of infusions across the selected centers was of 2501(30.5% short infusions). In the analyzed cohort, 1143 h were saved(762 in the infusion and 381 in observation phases) through the rapid IFX infusion protocol. This time saving(-15% compared to the standard protocol in infusion phase) represents, from the hospital perspective, an opportunity to optimize infusion unit capacity by allocating the saved time in alternative cost-effective treatments. This is the case of opportunity cost that represents the value of forgone benefit which could be obtained from a resource in its next-best alternative use. Hence, an extra hour of infusion in the case of standard 2-h IFX represents a loss in opportunity to provide other cost effective services. The analysis showed that the short infusion increased the infusion units capacity up to 50% on days when the IFX infusions were scheduled(infusion phase). Furthermore, the analysis showed that the short IFX infusion protocol leads to time savings also in the post-infusion phase(observation) leading to a time saving of 10% on average among the analyzed centers. Finally, the short infusion protocol has been demonstrated to lead to indirect cost savings of €138/patient(average-€17.300 on the whole cohort).CONCLUSION A short IFX infusion protocol can be considered time and cost saving in comparison to the standard infusion protocol both from the hospital's perspective, as it contributes to increase infusion units capacity, and the patients' perspective, as it reduces indirect costs and the impact of treatment on everyday life and work productivity.

瑞典关于CARD15变异体在决定克罗恩病易感性作用的研究

Objective.Crohn’s disease(CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder caused by environmental and genetic factors.Mutations in the CARD15 gene have been associated with CD.No previous case-control CARD15 study has been performed in the Swedish population.Material and methods.The study comprised of 321 individuals:178 with CD and 143 healthy controls(HCs) ,all from Stockholm County.All were genotyped for the three main CD-associated CARD15 variants(R702W,G908R and 1007fs) and phen-otypic associations were investigated.Results.The allele frequencies of the R702W variant(4.5% CD versus 0.7% HC,p = 0.008,OR = 6.8) and the G908R variant(2.0% CD versus 0% HC,p = 0.045) were more common in CD patients than in controls.No significant difference in 1007fs variant allele frequencywas found between CD patients and controls(2.0% CD versus 1.7% HC,p = 0.8,OR = 1.1) .Carriage of CARD15 variants was more common in the CD patients than in controls(15.2% CD versus 4.2% HC,p = 0.001,OR = 4.1,population attributable risk(PAR) = 11.4%) .Genotype-phenotype analysis demonstrated that CARD15 variants were associated with ileal disease(p =0.0006,OR = 9.3,CI = 2.2-34) and protective for colonic CD(p = 0.01,OR = 0.18) .An association between CARD15 variants and ileal CD(p = 0.004,OR = 6.6) was confirmed by multivariate analyses.Conclusions.The CARD15 variants R702W and G908R,but not 1007fs,are associated with susceptibility to CD in Stockholm County.Genotype-phen-otype analysis shows an association with ileal CD.The contribution of these CARD15 mutations in Swedish CD patients overall is low in relation to studies elsewhere in Central Europe and North America,but is consistent with emerging data from elsewhere in Scandinavia and in Northern Europe.

Risk stratification and geographical mapping of Brazilian inflammatory bowel disease patients during the COVID-19 outbreak:Results from a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is still evolving globally,and Brazil is currently one of the most affected countries.It is still debated whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)are at a higher risk for developing COVID-19 or its complications.AIM To assess geographical distribution of IBD patients at the highest risk and correlate these data with COVID-19 mortality rates in Brazil.METHODS The Brazilian IBD Study Group(Grupo de Estudos da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal do Brasil)developed a web-based survey adapted from the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines.The included categories were demographic data and inquiries related to risk factors for complications from COVID-19.Patients were categorized as highest,moderate or lowest individual risk.The Spearman correlation test was used to identify any association between highest risk and mortality rates for each state of the country.RESULTS A total of 3568 patients(65.3%females)were included.Most participants were from the southeastern and southern regions of Brazil,and 84.1%were using immunomodulators and/or biologics.Most patients(55.1%)were at moderate risk,23.4%were at highest risk and 21.5%were at lowest risk of COVID-19 complications.No association between the proportion of IBD patients at highest risk for COVID-19 complications and higher mortality rates was identified in different Brazilian states(r=0.146,P=0.467).CONCLUSION This study indicates a distinct geographical distribution of IBD patients at highest risk for COVID-19 complications in different states of the country,which may reflect contrasting socioeconomic,educational and healthcare aspects.No association between high risk of IBD and COVID-related mortality rates was identified.

Real-world disease activity and sociodemographic,clinical and treatment characteristics of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease in Brazil

BACKGROUND Understanding the treatment landscape of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)is essential for improving disease management and patient outcomes.Brazil is the largest Latin American country,and it presents socioeconomic and health care differences across its geographical regions.This country has the highest increase in IBD incidence and prevalence in Latin America,but information about the clinical and treatment characteristics of IBD is scarce.AIM To describe the sociodemographic,clinical,and treatment characteristics of IBD outpatients in Brazil overall and in the Southeast,South and Northeast/Midwest regions.METHODS Multicenter,cross-sectional study with a 3-year retrospective chart review component.Patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease(CD)or ulcerative colitis(UC)were consecutively enrolled between October 2016 and February 2017.Active CD at enrollment was defined as a Harvey Bradshaw Index≥8 or a CD Activity Index≥220 or a calprotectin level>200μg/g or an active result based on colonoscopy suggestive of inadequate control during the previous year;active UC was defined as a partial Mayo score≥5.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.RESULTS In a total of 407 included patients,CD was more frequent than UC,both overall(264 CD/143 UC patients)and by region(CD:UC ratios of 2.1 in the Southeast,1.6 in the South and 1.2 in the Northeast/Midwest).The majority of patients were female(54.2%of CD;56.6%of UC),and the mean ages were 45.9±13.8 years(CD)and 42.9±13.0 years(UC).The median disease duration was 10.0(range:0.5-45)years for both IBD types.At enrollment,44.7%[95%confidence interval(CI):38.7-50.7]of CD patients and 25.2%(95%CI:18.1-32.3)of UC patients presented with active disease.More than 95%of IBD patients were receiving treatment at enrollment;CD patients were commonly treated with biologics(71.6%)and immunosuppressors(67.4%),and UC patients were commonly treated with mesalazine[5-Aminosalicylic acid(5-ASA)]derivates(69.9%)and immunosuppressors(44.1%).More than 50%of the CD patients had ileocolonic disease,and 41.7%presented with stricturing disease.One-quarter of CD patients had undergone CD-related surgery in the past 3 years,and this proportion was lower in the Northeast/Midwest region(2.9%).CONCLUSION In Brazil,there are regional variations in IBD management.CD outweighs UC in both frequency and disease activity.However,one-quarter of UC patients have active disease,and most are receiving 5-ASA treatment.

Clinical and epidemiological features of ulcerative colitis patients in Sardinia,Italy:Results from a multicenter study

BACKGROUND There are little data on the epidemiological and clinical features of adult patients with ulcerative colitis(UC) in the different Italian regions,mainly derived from the absence of a national registry.This prevents correct interpretation of the disease burden.AIM To assess the main clinical and epidemiological features of adult patients diagnosed with UC in Sardinia,Italy.METHODS We performed a multicenter,observational,cross-sectional study that included adult patients with UC enrolled in seven gastroenterology unit centers in Sardinia.Data were obtained from the patients’ medical records and from a questionnaire administered at the inclusion visit.RESULTS Four hundred and forty-two patients with UC were included.The median age at diagnosis was 39years(interquartile range 28-48).After a median disease duration of 10 years,53 patients experienced proximal extension of proctitis or left-sided colitis.Seventy-five patients developed extraintestinal manifestations.Nineteen patients(4.3%) developed cancer:two with colorectal cancer and seventeen with extracolonic cancers.Mesalazine(5-ASA) remains the mainstay of treatment for UC.Overall,95 patients(21.5%) were treated with one or more biologic agents,whereas 15 patients(3.4%) underwent surgery,mostly colectomy.CONCLUSION Our results provide important insights into the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with UC,and while waiting for a national Italian registry,present eligible data on the UC population in Sardinia.