Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2014; 20(28): 9458-9467
Published online Jul 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i28.9458
Epidemiology, demographic characteristics and prognostic predictors of ulcerative colitis
Bruno César da Silva, Andre Castro Lyra, Raquel Rocha, Genoile Oliveira Santana
Bruno César da Silva, Post-graduate Program in Medicine and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia 40110-060, Brazil
Andre Castro Lyra, Genoile Oliveira Santana, Gastroenterology Department of the University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia 40110-060, Brazil
Andre Castro Lyra, Gastro-Hepatology Service of Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, Bahia 40110-060, Brazil
Raquel Rocha, Department of Sciences of Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia 40110-150, Brazil
Author contributions: Silva BC and Rocha R wrote the manuscript; Lyra AC and Santana GO revised the manuscript for important intellectual content.
Correspondence to: Raquel Rocha, PhD, Department of Sciences of Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Araújo Pinho, 32, Salvador, Bahia 40110-150, Brazil. raquelrocha2@yahoo.com.br
Telephone: +55-71-32637705 Fax: +55-71-32359246
Received: November 5, 2013
Revised: February 15, 2014
Accepted: June 2, 2014
Published online: July 28, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Ulcerative colitis has gained importance over the past few decades due to its increasing incidence rate worldwide. This condition is a chronic disease that affects quality of life, and it can lead to death if not treated properly. Over the past few decades, advances in treatment have provided benefits for patients, including a reduction in mortality. Due to phenotypic variability, different therapeutic modalities may be used. It is important to recognize the factors associated with a more severe clinical course so that clinical decisions can be made as early as possible.