BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is an uncommon presentation in paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. We aimed to characterize the clinical features and natural history of UP in children, and identify predictors of poor outcomes.
METHODS: Retrospective study involving 37 sites affiliated with the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN. Data were collected from patients aged=35 providing increased risk for poor outcomes.
By the end of follow-up, 3.1% of patients underwent colectomy. Patients with proximal disease progression (48%) had significantly higher rates of cecal patch at diagnosis and higher PUCAI score by end-of-induction, compared to those without progression.
CONCLUSION: Paediatric patients with UP exhibit high rates of treatment escalation and proximal disease extension.