The impact of COVID-19 on the course and possible initiation of ulcerative colitis
- Student Research Group at the Chair and Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
- Student Research Group at the Chair and Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
- Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Institute of Biological Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
- Collegium Medicum Dr Władysław Biegański, Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland
This
review presents an analysis of the available scientific
research concerning the impact of COVID-19 infection on
the course of ulcerative colitis (UC). There are cases
suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with
exacerbations of UC; however, establishing a direct
cause-and-effect relationship remains difficult. The exacerbations
observed in UC patients during the COVID-19 pandemic may be
attributable to stress-related factors. In addition, infection in UC
patients may lead to complications and therapeutic challenges.
The available reports indicate a potential role of COVID-19
as a triggering factor for the development of UC.
Although further research is required to elucidate the role
of this infection in both the progression and initiation
of UC, current data suggest its potential significance in
symptom exacerbation and triggering of autoimmune processes. Yet
larger registry and longitudinal data suggest that COVID-19 usually
does not worsen UC in the long term.
Keywords
ulcerative colitis, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
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