When managing ulcerative colitis in older patients, understanding their overall health profile is key

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) in patients aged > 60 years is increasingly common. The treatment of UC aims to induce and maintain clinical remission, with 5-aminosalicylates the mainstay for mild UC. In moderate-to-severe or refractory UC, oral corticosteroids, thiopurines, anti-TNF agents, vedolizumab and tofacitinib are treatment options to induce and/or maintain remission. To facilitate compliance and minimize adverse drug events, treatment should be tailored to patients’ general health status, comorbidities and existing medications.