OBJECTIVES: Describe the use of health resources related to the management of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in Brazil.

METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis that collected data from patient medical records in multiple Brazilian centres in 2017. Healthcare resource utilization data related to the management of patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with moderate to severe UC at least 6 months before the inclusion day were presented using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: A total of 143 patients with moderate to severe UC were included in this analysis. The mean age was 45.9±13.83 years and 56.6% were female. The mean weight and body mass index were 70.1±14.33 kg and 25.7±4.63 kg/m2, respectively. The time since diagnosis of moderate to severe UC was on average 6.1±4.85 years. Surgeries were required in 2.8% of patients and the average number of surgeries per patient was 1.8±0.5. Total colectomy and closure of enterostomy (any segment) corresponded (each one) to 28.6% of surgeries. The mean number of hospitalizations was 1.5±0.92 times for UC; the mean duration was 0.7 months. The mean number of medical appointments per patient was 10.8±6.56 during the period and 92.5% corresponded to an IBD specialist visit. The average number of imaging and laboratory tests was 17.8±14.02. Hemogram was the most frequent test performed (38.8%), followed by C-reactive protein (29.8%). Salicylic acid derivatives were the main type of therapy prescribed after the disease diagnosis (60.3%), followed by biological therapy (10.6%).

CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe UC was associated with substantial healthcare resource utilization in Brazil.