ANTIBODIES TO THE CYTOPLASM OF NEUTROPHILS: A MARKER OF UNFAVORABLE CLINICAL COURSE IN NON-SPECIFIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract

Antibodies to the cytoplasm of neutrophils (p-ANCA) are detectable in 67% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We have revealed typical clinical features of the patients with diagnostic p-ANCA titer, i.e., longer disease duration, prolonged fevers, and increased stool frequency. Moreover, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis and hypoalbuminemia are more common in this group. By endoscopic examination, mucosal ulcers of the colon are significantly more frequent in this group of patients. We have also noted higher rates of severe and relapsing cases among p-ANCA-positive patients. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the diagnostic titers of p-ANCA are predictive for unfavorable prognosis in UC.

Keywords

• p-anca
• ulcerative colitis
• antibodies
• prognosis