Self-reported frequency and severity of disease flares, disease perception, and flare treatments in patients with ulcerative colitis: results of a national internet-based survey.

摘要: Abstract Objectives : The purpose of this study was to better understand the characteristics and patterns treatment flares ulcerative colitis (UC) from patient's perspective. A secondary objective determine predictive value disease characteristics, particularly flares, on current use biologic therapy. Methods Study participants were recruited an Internet panel self-identified individuals with inflammatory bowel (UC or Crohn's disease). present analysis limited who reported having a diagnosis UC, aged ≥18 years, resided in United States, could speak write English. Cross-sectional data (demographic insurance coverage, incidence patient experiences, patterns) collected via self-reported Internet-based questionnaire during third quarter 2008. Results total 505 UC completed survey (72.7% female; 16.6% non-white; 37.2% college graduates; mean [SD] age, 48.6 [2.8] years). time since 11.9 (10.1) 76.6% respondents characterized their as controlled. Overall, 27.9% sample ≥1 flare per week, additional 25.1% month. Most (76.5%) lasted ≤7 days classified moderate severity (51.9%). Among those reporting 30.5% overall mild, 56.0% moderate, 13.5% severe. majority week currently used 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs) (41.1%) corticosteroids (49.6%), whereas 19.1% immunomodulators 17.0% biologics. Disease most commonly treated by increasing dose medication (60.4%) adding corticosteroid regimen (34.5%). Conclusions More than half these experiencing using 5-ASAs maintenance medications control short term.