"Patients with Severe Ulcerative Colitis Can Improve Quality of Life Within One Year of Diagnosis with Appropriate Treatment"

Research Results by Professors Jo Ikhyun and Lee Gangmun of Seongbincent Hospital

Professor Jo Ik-hyun (left) and Professor Lee Kang-moon, Department of Gastroenterology, St. Vincent's Hospital.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] It has been found that even moderate to severe ulcerative colitis with severe symptoms can significantly improve quality of life with appropriate treatment.

The research team led by Professors Cho Ik-hyun and Lee Kang-moon from the Department of Gastroenterology at St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, announced on the 20th that they confirmed this fact after analyzing changes in quality of life in the early stages of ulcerative colitis patients in Korea.

The study analyzed a total of 276 patients from a multicenter prospective cohort study of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis patients (the MOSAIK), comparing the 'quality of life assessment (the Short Form-12 health survey, SF-12)' and the 'Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ)' conducted at the time of diagnosis and one year after diagnosis.

The results showed improvement in both SF-12 and IBDQ, indicating that controlling the disease with appropriate treatment greatly improves quality of life. It was also confirmed that higher disease activity scores (Partial Mayo score) or increased inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were associated with decreased health-related quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause, characterized by repeated symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain, which significantly disrupt daily life including studies and work, and requires long-term medication, greatly affecting patients' quality of life. Therefore, improving the quality of life of ulcerative colitis patients is emphasized as one of the treatment goals.

Professor Cho Ik-hyun said, "This study showed that even patients with severe ulcerative colitis of moderate or higher severity can sufficiently improve their quality of life within the first year after diagnosis if they consistently receive proper treatment," adding, "If patients maintain hope and continue treatment with medical staff, symptom improvement and normal daily life are possible."

This study was published in the May issue of the SCI(E)-level international journal Gut and Liver.

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