Question

A 46-year-old man with known ulcerative colitis presents with 8 bloody stools per day, abdominal pain, and tachycardia 110 bpm. CRP is 60 mg/L and haemoglobin is 110 g/L. This is his first severe flare. What is the most appropriate initial treatment in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous hydrocortisone

Answer

Start high-dose oral mesalazine alone

Answer

Start oral prednisolone 40 mg daily

Answer

Start infliximab immediately

Answer

No steroids; arrange urgent colectomy

Practice question

A 46-year-old man with known ulcerative colitis presents with 8 bloody stools per day, abdominal pain, and tachycardia 110 bpm. CRP is 60 mg/L and haemoglobin is 110 g/L. This is his first severe flare. What is the most appropriate initial treatment in hospital?