Management of ulcerative colitis in a real-life setting: An Italian multicenter, prospective, observational AIGO study

Abstract

BackgroundNo data are available on the variability in the clinical management of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by Italian gastroenterologists. Therefore, improving the standards of UC care as provided by the National Welfare Clinical Path (PDTA), in accordance with the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) guidelines for UC, is not easy. AimsTo assess the management of UC by Italian gastroenterologists in a real-life setting taking into account its variability. MethodsThis prospective, cross-sectional, observational study included IBD-specialized gastroenterologists (GSIBDs) and general gastroenterologists (GGs) working in Italian public hospital units. Consecutive patients with an UC flare were enrolled and the medical treatment evaluated. For each center, the physician in charge of the study (16 GSIBDs and 10 GGs) was administered two electronic questionnaires. ResultsAmong 26 units, 573 UC patients were enrolled. Good adherence to the European guidelines was reported; GSIBDs reported greater adherence than GGs with a higher prescription of rectal and combination therapy in mild to moderate distal disease and a higher rate of hospitalization in severe UC. ConclusionThe management of UC by Italian gastroenterologists in clinical practice is good according to the ECCO consensus recommendations, though some discrepancies are present between GSIBDs and GGs.