Abstract

Background/Aims
Clinical characteristics of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asian populations are not well recognized. We therefore investigated the clinical features and natural history of UC in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 304 Korean UC patients first diagnosed at Asan Medical Center between June 1989 and August 2005. Results: The male to female ratio was 0.94：1 and the median age at diagnosis was 40.0 years (range, 12-72 years). At diagnosis, proctitis was noted in 134 patients (44.1%), left-sided colitis in 69 (22.7%), and extensive colitis in 101 (33.2%). Disease activity at diagnosis was mild in 149 patients (49.0%), moderate in 125 (41.1%), and severe in 26 (8.6%). In addition, 4 (1.3%) asymptomatic patients were detected as a result of a screening colonoscopy. Clinical remission after the first attack was documented in 97.4% of patients. The cumulative relapse rates at 1, 5, 10 years were 30.2%, 72.0%, and 88.4%, respectively. The cumulative risk of proximal extension in patients with proctitis or left-sided colitis was 33.0% at 5 years and 44.5% at 10 years. The cumulative probability of colectomy was 2.0% at 1 year, 2.8% at 3 years, and 3.3% at 5-15 years. The cumulative survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 100%, 99.4%, and 97.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Clinical features of Korean UC patients at diagnosis are similar to those of Westerners. However, UC in Koreans may have a milder course than in Westerners, since Koreans have a lower rate of colectomy. (Intestinal Research 2006;4:12-21)

• Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, Korea, Clinical features, Prognosis, Colectomy rate