Colitis Patterns in Patients With Lower GI Symptoms

Patterns of Colitis Among Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy For Lower Gastrointestinal Symptoms at Sohag University Hospitals: A Cross- Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the patterns of colitis among patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal symptoms undergoing colonoscopy at Sohag University Hospitals. It focuses on identifying the most common etiologies and their endoscopic findings. The study also assesses the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with different types of colitis. The findings are expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide appropriate management of patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• This study will include all patients with lower GI symptoms who underwent colonoscopy. Lower GI symptoms were defined as the presence of one or more of the following: chronic diarrhea (defined as symptoms persisting for ≥4 weeks), hematochezia, passage of mucus per rectum, tenesmus, lower abdominal pain, or change in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel patterns

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The patients who turned out to have malignant findings on endoscopy.
2. Patients with incomplete colonoscopy (e.g., failure to reach cecum).
3. Patients with poor bowel preparation affecting visualization.
4. Patients with established IBD diagnosis on follow-up, or recently diagnosed as colorectal cancer.
5. Patients with recent antibiotics use (within 4 weeks).
6. Patients unfit for colonoscopy or with a contraindication to biopsy.
7. Patients with previous colorectal surgery (e.g., colonic resection).