Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, mild: Remission with occasional exacerbations; diarrhea less than 3 times daily; minimal rectal bleeding; maintained body weight and hemoglobin.

Ulcerative colitis, moderate: Four to six stools per day with blood; anemia; impairment of health with weight loss; or with systemic manifestations (arthritis, uveitis, skin lesions); requires regular use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

Ulcerative colitis, severe: Six or more stools per day with blood; with significant anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL); with significant weight loss (10% or more of body weight); with frequent hospitalizations; or with complications (abscess, fistula, perforation).

Ulcerative colitis, marked with severe constitutional symptoms: Requiring colectomy; or with constant, debilitating symptoms and severe malnutrition; profound anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL); weight loss > 20%; or active disease requiring continuous high-dose corticosteroids/biologics with inability to maintain nutrition.