Early Sigmoidoscopy Improves Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Outcome

Moreover, time to infliximab (IFX) rescue, a crucial measure of treatment efficacy, was markedly improved in patients who received early sigmoidoscopy (3.5 days) compared to those with delayed sigmoidoscopy (6.4 days) (P = .004).

While colectomy rates were slightly higher in the delayed sigmoidoscopy group (28%) than the early sigmoidoscopy group (17%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = .23). However, the study identified a concerning trend – longer time to sigmoidoscopy was associated with a 16% increased risk of colectomy, underlining the importance of timely intervention in ASUC patients (HR = 1.16, P = .002).

The results of this well-characterized cohort provide valuable insights into the benefits of early sigmoidoscopy in managing ASUC, particularly in terms of reducing CS usage, hospital stays, and the need for colectomy. Such findings are vital in guiding clinical practices and optimizing patient outcomes in the management of ASUC. 

Reference:

Sharma, S., Li, D. K., Levine, L. J., Chaar, A., McMillan, C., Gaidos, J. K. J., Proctor, D. D., & Al-Bawardy, B. (2023). Early Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Improves Clinical Outcomes in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis. In Crohn’s & Colitis 360 (Vol. 5, Issue 3). Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/crocol/otad032