Beatriz Sicilia1, Santiago García-López2, Yago González-Lama3, Yamile Zabana4, Joaquín Hinojosa5, Fernando Gomollón6. 1. Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, España. 2. Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Aragón, Zaragoza, España. Electronic address: sgarcia.lopez@gmail.com. 3. Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, España. 4. Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo Hospital Universitario Mútua Terrassa Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd). 5. Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España. 6. Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Aragón, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Zaragoza, España.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Since the first edition of the Guidelines was published in 2013, much information has been generated around the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and new drugs and action protocols have been introduced. Clinical practice has changed substantially, warranting new approaches and a comprehensive review and update of the evidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Once again, we used the GRADE approach, supported by an electronic tool (https://gradepro.org). The clinical scenarios are the same as in the previous version (induction and maintenance in severe and mild-moderate flare-ups), as are the variables and their evaluation. However, in the updated guidelines, three questions have been deleted, 14 added and 30 maintained, making a total of 44 clinical questions. After an exhaustive review of the evidence, the recommendations are now updated. RESULTS: Of the 44 questions analysed, no recommendation could be established in two due to the very low quality of the evidence, while in the other 42, based on different degrees of quality of evidence, recommendations were made according to the GRADE system. In 25 of these questions the final recommendation is strongly in favour, in six strongly against, in seven weakly in favour and in four weakly against. According to the scenarios and recommendations, six algorithms are proposed as a simple guide for practical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this update of the 2013 guidelines is to provide answers, based on the GRADE approach, to the different questions we ask ourselves daily when deciding the most appropriate treatment for our patients with ulcerative colitis in the different clinical scenarios.
INTRODUCTION: Since the first edition of the Guidelines was published in 2013, much information has been generated around the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and new drugs and action protocols have been introduced. Clinical practice has changed substantially, warranting new approaches and a comprehensive review and update of the evidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Once again, we used the GRADE approach, supported by an electronic tool (https://gradepro.org). The clinical scenarios are the same as in the previous version (induction and maintenance in severe and mild-moderate flare-ups), as are the variables and their evaluation. However, in the updated guidelines, three questions have been deleted, 14 added and 30 maintained, making a total of 44 clinical questions. After an exhaustive review of the evidence, the recommendations are now updated. RESULTS: Of the 44 questions analysed, no recommendation could be established in two due to the very low quality of the evidence, while in the other 42, based on different degrees of quality of evidence, recommendations were made according to the GRADE system. In 25 of these questions the final recommendation is strongly in favour, in six strongly against, in seven weakly in favour and in four weakly against. According to the scenarios and recommendations, six algorithms are proposed as a simple guide for practical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this update of the 2013 guidelines is to provide answers, based on the GRADE approach, to the different questions we ask ourselves daily when deciding the most appropriate treatment for our patients with ulcerative colitis in the different clinical scenarios.