Biopsy Pathology Predicts Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Subsequently Requiring Surgery

Abstract

Background : The clinical course of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is unpredictable, and 17%-38% ultimately require surgery. We hypothesized that mucosal histology may differ between patients requiring surgery and those receiving medication alone. The aim of this study was to elucidate comprehensive criteria consisting of specific histologic features enabling the prediction of failure to medical treatment. Methods : We studied colorectal biopsy specimens from 67 patients ultimately requiring surgery (UC-S) and 90 receiving medication alone for more than 3 years (UC-M), and conducted multiple logistic regression analysis on 70 histologic features together with endoscopic disease extent and patient age. The analysis constructed an equation finding probability of UC-S ( P UC-S ). Based on a receiver-operating characteristic curve, we selected four cut-off values of P UC-S, and determined criteria of five categories: highest-risk, higher-risk, unpredictable, lower-risk and lowest-risk of surgery. Sensitivity and specificity of criteria were evaluated in a 2 × 5 table. Results : Statistically significant features predicting UC-S were deep ulceration (X 1 ), frequent crypt abscesses (X 2 ), focal and segmental mononuclear cell infiltration (X 3 and X 4 ), paucity of eosinophils (X 5 : eosinophil infiltration) and wide extent of the disease (X 6 ). The regression equation was as follows: logit P UC-S =-16.26 + 3.20X 1 + 4.83X 2 + 11.65X 3 + 5.10X 4 - 5.59X 5 + 5.53X 6. Higher-risk and lower-risk showed sensitivity exceeding 91.0% and specificity exceeding 98.5% in predicting the outcome. Conclusions : Our criteria incorporating specific histologic features and endoscopic disease extent reliably predict eventual clinical outcome, and are expected to prove useful in determining the necessity of surgery.

• Biopsy
• Endoscopy
• Histological Criteria
• Surgery
• Ulcerative Colitis