title: Predictive value of the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index in the surgical management of ulcerative colitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) and operative management. We also specifically evaluated those patients receiving tacrolimus for their disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review (1/06-1/11) identified ulcerative colitis patients (≤21 years old) undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with rectal mucosectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Main outcomes included pre-operative PUCAI, combined versus staged procedure, and postoperative complications. Patients receiving tacrolimus within 3 months of surgical intervention were identified. PUCAI at tacrolimus induction and medication side effects were also noted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty patients were identified. Forty-two (70%) underwent combined and 18 (30%) had staged procedures. Pre-operative PUCAI was lower for combined versus staged patients (p = < 0.001). Furthermore, a higher pre-operative PUCAI strongly correlated with the likelihood of undergoing a staged procedure (p < 0.001). Forty-four patients (73%) received tacrolimus. Significant improvement in their PUCAI was noted from induction to pre-operative evaluation (p < 0.001). Minor and reversible side effects occurred in 46% of patients receiving tacrolimus, but complication rates were not significantly different.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a very strong correlation between the PUCAI and the likelihood of undergoing a staged procedure. A significant improvement in PUCAI occurs following preoperative tacrolimus therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Fabienne L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Christopher G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zurakowski
authors.forename: Athos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bousvaros
authors.forename: Bradley C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Linden
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Shamberger
authors.forename: Craig W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lillehei
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus
keywords: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis; Pediatric; Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index; Restorative proctocolectomy; Tacrolimus; Ulcerative colitis