Clinical features

Deep ulceration is common, but clinical features cannot predict which patients have it. ^c Further investigations are required. ^b

Why?

• 62% of patients with active colitis have deep ulceration (95% CI: 46% to 77%) c
• Patients with acute colitis who have deep ulceration are more likely to develop dilatation of the colon. The effect on perforations is unclear. ^c

Severe ulceration increases the risk of dilatation of the colon

Patient	Prognostic Factor	Outcome	CER	OR (95% CI)	NNF+ (95% CI)
active colitis c	severe ulceration independent	colonic dilatation at uncertain duration	58%	2.48 (1.12 to 5.48)	2 (1 to 23)