@Article{Pieniak2026,
journal="Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne",
issn="1899-1874",
year="2026",
title="The impact of COVID-19 on the course and possible initiation
of ulcerative colitis",
abstract="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.",
author="Pieniak, Marcin
and Pozierak, Julia
and Ścibor, Agnieszka
and Męcik-Kronenberg, Tomasz",
doi="10.5114/ms.2026.161329",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/ms.2026.161329"
}