Overview of induction therapy for extensive ulcerative colitis in adults

For patients with mild to moderate extensive ulcerative colitis (ie colitis proximal to the splenic flexure), oral or parenteral corticosteroids (in addition to 5-aminosalicylate preparations) may be required; however, their use is often limited by adverse effects.

For patients with moderate to severe extensive ulcerative colitis, an immunomodulatory drug (in addition to 5-aminosalicylate preparations and an oral or parenteral corticosteroid) is often required.

Rectal therapy alone is inadequate for patients with extensive ulcerative colitis.

Once clinical remission is achieved, maintenance therapy may be required to maintain remission.