Medical Management of Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects about 1 in 400 of the UK population, with a stable incidence in the last few decades. The peak age of onset of disease is around 30 years, but onset of disease can occur at any age, though it is rare after 70 years [1]. The strongest risk factor for developing UC is a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (either UC or Crohn’s disease); however, the risk of monozygotic twins developing UC is lower than for Crohn’s disease (10% versus 38%) broadly suggesting that UC is less “genetic” than CD [1].

In Memoriam: Keith Leiper 1967–2011

Dr. Keith Leiper, universally loved by his patients and by all the staff with whom he worked, all of whom he treated as his friends, died from cancer on Friday, October 21, 2011. Keith had been the Leslie Parrott Research Fellow of Crohn’s and Colitis UK and completed his M.D. on the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease before going on to be a consultant with a passionate interest in clinical research. On a national level, his outstanding work as the first lead for the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit has led to a marked improvement in standards of IBD care, an achievement brought about through his close collaboration with patient organizations, particularly Crohn’s and Colitis UK for whom Keith acted as a regional medical advisor. But far more than his (formidable) list of achievements can attest, Keith was an inspiration to all who met him: exceptionally widely read, possessing a phenomenal grasp of the medical literature, an enthusiastic and much loved teacher and trainer, and immensely beneficial to the care of IBD patients locally; his personality, enormous kindness, selfless generosity, integrity, and constant good humor will be particularly remembered. He was unfailingly fun to be with, even when he became ill, and was constantly prioritizing others above himself. He is survived by his wife Libby, also a doctor, and by their children Cameron, Mirren, and Ailish to whom our thoughts go.