Question

A 45 year old woman with inflammatory bowel disease has severe continuous bloody diarrhoea, tachycardia and abdominal tenderness. Colonoscopy and histology confirm extensive ulcerative colitis. She has failed oral steroids. What is the most appropriate next step in acute management?

Accepted Answer

Admit for intravenous corticosteroids and close monitoring

Answer

Start oral mesalazine alone as outpatient

Answer

Discharge with loperamide and review

Answer

Arrange elective colectomy without further medical therapy

Answer

Treat as irritable bowel syndrome with reassurance

Practice question

A 45 year old woman with inflammatory bowel disease has severe continuous bloody diarrhoea, tachycardia and abdominal tenderness. Colonoscopy and histology confirm extensive ulcerative colitis. She has failed oral steroids. What is the most appropriate next step in acute management?