Robert Bryant, PhD, of Australia-based University of Adelaide, and colleagues examined 246 ulcerative colitis patients treated with the “Treat to Target” approach in a multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional review of patients. Researchers recorded clinical and objective assessments of disease activity.
Here’s what they found:
1. Sixty-one percent of ulcerative colitis patients were in clinical readmission.
2. Thirty-five percent were in clinical and endoscopic remission.
3. Sixteen percent were in concordant clinical, endoscopic and histological remission.
4. Clinician-related factors affected outcomes at a higher rate than disease-related factors.
5. Physicians used C-reactive protein more than endoscopy as a biomarker of disease activity.
Researchers concluded, “Most patients with UC do not achieve composite clinical and endoscopic remission in ‘real-world’ practice. Clinician uptake of proposed ‘Treat to Target’ guidelines is a challenge to their implementation.”
More articles on gastroenterology:
7 patients with intragastric balloon systems die from adverse events
Florida jury finds gastroenterologist not liable in alleged ‘slapdash colonoscopy’ trial
How effective is fecal immunochemical testing for colorectal cancer?
