MODERATE TO SEVERE ENDOSCOPIC INFLAMMATION IS FREQUENT AFTER ACHIEVING CLINICAL REMISSION IN PEDIATRIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract

Abstract Background Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by low sustained remission rates and frequent extension of disease even if clinical remission is obtained with therapy. Moderate to severe endoscopic activity is a risk factor for relapse while evidence regarding early mucosal healing or persistence of inflammation after remission in children is not available. Our aim was to evaluate if persistence of significant inflammation is common and could explain the high relapse rate in pediatric UC. Methods Pediatric UC patients with clinical remission, defined as pediatric UC activity index (PUCAI) scores < 10, were prospectively assessed for mucosal healing by endoscopy 3–5 months after remission was documented. Mayo score was assessed for each segment by a blinded adult gastroenterologist using central reading. Symptomatic patients prior to sigmoidoscopy were excluded Sustained remission was assessed retrospectively at 18 months follow-up. Results Forty-six children were enrolled, 28 children in continuous clinical remission at time of sigmoidoscopy were included in the final analysis. Mayo 0 was present in 12/28 (42.86%), Mayo 1 in 2/28 (7.1%) and Mayo 2–3 in 14/28 (50.0%) endoscopies. Among 23/28 patients with follow-up through 18 months, remission was sustained in 2/11 (18.18%) of patients with Mayo 2 and 3 versus 6/12 (50.0%) with Mayo score 0–1. Conclusion Over 50% of children assessed for mucosal healing 3–5 months after clinical remission is obtained have residual disease activity, primarily moderate to severe inflammation which was associated with lower sustained remission. Early sigmoidoscopy after clinical remission for assessment of mucosal disease should be considered in pediatric UC.