Fulminant ulcerative colitis

Opinion statement  

–	Fulminant ulcerative colitis necessitates immediate hospitalization.
–	Supportive therapy such as aggressive rehydration, restriction of oral intake, and consideration of parenteral nutrition should be initiated.
–	High-dose intravenous steroids should be started in almost all cases.
–	Antibiotics and cyclosporine should be considered, especially in disease refractory to steroid therapy.
–	Indications for surgery should always be kept in mind, and early involvement of the surgical team is always encouraged.
–	Avoidance of life-threatening complications such as toxic megacolon, hemorrhage, and perforation is the goal of any treatment for fulminant ulcerative colitis.