| Theme |
Various Subjects of Long-term Following Patients with Ulcerative Colitis |
| Title |
Changes in Incidence of Elderly Onset Ulcerative Colitis |
| Author |
Haruhiko Takahashi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital |
| Author |
Takashi Hisabe |
Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital |
| Author |
Toshiyuki Matsui |
Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Changes in the average age of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients have progressed in association with the aging of the population, increases in elderly onset, and increases in longterm follow-up cases. The increase in cases of onset in the elderly has been accompanied by a tendency for the age distribution of UC to exhibit two peaks, one in the 15- to 29-year-old group and in the 55- to 64-year-old group. Clinical courses and outcomes for UC patients with elderly onset vary, and there is no consensus as to why this is so. However, because the elderly often have other diseases and also experience a high incidence of adverse effects, internists and surgeons must collaborate in the treatment of elderly UC patients. It is necessary to select a treatment plan which includes early surgery when medical treatment is difficult. There is an increased need to learn the characteristics of UC in the elderly, because of expected steady increases in future numbers. It is also necessary to establish more sophisticated treatment strategies. |