ECCO-ESGAR guideline for diagnostic assessment in IBD part 2 : IBD scores and general principles and technical aspects

Abstract

There are several scoring systems presently available to classify disease severity in ulcerative colitis [UC] within the multiple domains of disease activity, which aid objective assessment of disease and guide therapeutic and monitoring strategies. Although somewhat limited by subjective definitions, their strength lies in the potential to monitor patient progress over time. The Simple Colitis Clinical Activity Index [SCCAI] and the Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index [PUCAI] [Supplementary Table 1, available as Supplementary data at ECCO-JCC online] are reliable and responsive scores with clear definitions for clinical response and remission. SCCAI scores range between 0 and 19 points and include nocturnal bowel movements and faecal urgency, which affect patient quality of life [QoL]. An SCCAI score <2 indicates clinical remission, and a decrease of >1.5 points from baseline correlates with patient-defined significant improvement.