Ulcerative Colitis and Ulcerative Proctitis: Clinical Course and Complications

The diagnostic criteria for ulcerative colitis (UC) need to be reassessed to ensure that they adequately reflect thechronic nature of the disorder. Consensus on key aspects of UC natural history including the Montreal classification (disease extent and severity) arerequired to allow accurate comparisons between adequately powered studies and meta-analyses. Differentiation between UC and colonic Crohn's disease requires further detailed study and an international consensusstatement. The natural history of pediatric UC requires further study, in particular treatment regimes and response to therapy. Further work on patient education, self-management and clinical outcomes utilizing e-health strategies may assist thispredominantly young and independent patient population deal with their disease more effectively. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.