CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NATURAL-HISTORY OF COLITIS IN THE ELDERLY

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 77  (6) , 382-386
Abstract
The clinical behavior and course of ischemic, ulcerative and Crohn''s colitis in the elderly are analyzed. Fifty-two patients with ischemic colitis, 11 with ulcerative colitis and 4 with Crohn''s colitis composed the study group. Patients with ischemic colitis were older and had a higher incidence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease than those with inflammatory bowel disease. A potentially obstructing colonic lesion was present in 12% of those with ischemic colitis. Spontaneous rapid resolution occurred in 42% of those with ischemic colitis, but in no patient with ulcerative or Crohn''s colitis. Of the 31 remaining patients with ischemic colitis, 20% had recurrent disease and 80% required operation. Almost 10% of patients with ischemic colitis died postoperatively. Of those patients with ulcerative colitis, 2 developed toxic dilatation, 3 required operation and 3 died on the 1st admission. All patients with Crohn''s colitis required operation. The prognosis for colitis in elderly patients, regardless of type, is worse than in young patients.