Background: Although the course of ulcerative proctitis in adults has been well described, little data are available concerning its clinical behavior in children and adolescents. This study sought to characterize the presentation, response to therapy, and long-term course of ulcerative proctitis in the pediatric population.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at five pediatric gastroenterology centers.
Results: A total of 38 subjects (mean age 11.6 years) were identified with ulcerative proctitis (mean follow-up 4.3 years). Symptoms were mild at diagnosis in 74% and moderate or severe in 26%. Thirty-two percent had a complaint of constipation at presentation. Cessation of symptoms was noted in 68% within 3 months of therapy, an additional 24% within 6 months, and 8% were still symptomatic despite 6 months of therapy. During any subsequent yearly follow-up interval, -55% of patients were asymptomatic, 40% had a chronic intermittent course, and < 5% were continuously symptomatic despite therapy. Eight subjects were treated with oral corticosteroids, one with 6-mercaptopurine, and one with cyclosporine. Extension of inflammation proximal to the rectosigmoid occurred in 11 of 38 subjects (29%), 0.5-11.3 years postdiagnosis. Seven of the 13 subjects (54%) followed for > or = 5 years had proximal extension of disease, and two had undergone colectomy.
Conclusions: Despite a mild presentation in most subjects, ulcerative proctitis seems to have a high risk of proximal extension of disease. The overall response to therapy seems to be similar to that reported for ulcerative colitis in children. Follow-up endoscopic evaluation of patients with ulcerative proctitis seems warranted, especially in the setting of recurrent or recalcitrant symptoms.