From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The initial treatment for a patient with short segment transverse colitis typically involves 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) medications such as mesalamine, as this approach has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and inducing remission 1.
Treatment Approach
The treatment of short segment transverse colitis focuses on reducing inflammation, inducing remission, and maintaining quality of life.
- 5-ASA medications, such as mesalamine, are the first-line treatment for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, including short segment transverse colitis 2, 1.
- These medications can be administered orally at doses of 2.4-4.8g daily or topically as enemas or suppositories, depending on the exact location of inflammation 1.
- For patients with moderate symptoms, a combination of oral and topical 5-ASA therapy may be more effective than either alone 1.
- Treatment should continue for 4-8 weeks to induce remission, followed by maintenance therapy to prevent relapse 1.
Additional Considerations
- If symptoms are more severe or do not respond to 5-ASA therapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone (40mg daily with gradual taper) may be necessary 2, 3.
- Supportive care, including hydration, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, and dietary modifications (low-residue diet during flares), is also important to manage symptoms and prevent complications 2.
- Regular monitoring of symptoms and follow-up colonoscopy may be needed to assess treatment response and adjust therapy accordingly 4, 3.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2019, which provides a comprehensive review of ulcerative colitis treatment, including the use of 5-ASA medications for inducing and maintaining remission 2. Additionally, a 2021 guideline from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) recommends the use of advanced imaging technologies, such as chromoendoscopy, to assess disease activity and guide treatment decisions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease 4. However, the primary treatment approach for short segment transverse colitis remains focused on 5-ASA medications and supportive care, as supported by the evidence from 2, 1, 3.