Management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (NICE CG 166).

Ulcerative colitis (UC) presents as an acute severe flare in 10-15% of new cases and it occurs in 15% of patients with established disease. Acute severe UC can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in predominantly younger patients without other comorbidities. Inpatient hospital admission and a multidisciplinary approach are vital in appropriate and timely management. Important but simple aspects in the initial work-up and treatment of such patients are frequently overlooked during the acute medical take. An overview of the general and more specialist management of this important presentation are discussed herein. © Royal College of Physicians 2015. All rights reserved.