An Experience of Ulcerative Colitis: II. Short term outcome

In a retrospective study of 399 patients with ulcerative colitis seen over an 18-year period the outcome of the first referred attack has been considered. The mortality in severe cases of colitis was 26.4% with only one death occurring among the mildly or moderately ill (0.4%). Considering the severe attacks alone it was found that the attack state did not have any effect on the mortality. An increasing mortality with age among severely ill patients was observed although this failed to reach a statistically significant level. No difference in mortality was observed between these patients with radiologically determined extensive disease and those with partial involvement. A rapid onset of disease during an attack was found to increase mortality but the total length of history had no effect. Hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, and raised alkaline phosphatase were associated with a worse prognosis. The significance of these findings has been discussed.