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UC – induction — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateGIUC – inductionRACP Paediatrics

A 14-year-old with newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis has moderate pancolitis with bloody diarrhoea 6 times daily, CRP 45 mg/L, and albumin 28 g/L. What is the most appropriate first-line induction therapy?

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Correct answer: A — Oral prednisolone

For moderate ulcerative colitis, oral prednisolone (1-2 mg/kg/day, max 40-60 mg) is the standard first-line induction therapy. EEN is not effective for UC. Mesalazine (5-ASA) is appropriate for mild disease. Maintenance therapy with azathioprine or mesalazine should be started concurrently.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2023 – IBD CPG; ESPGHAN – 2024 – Paediatric UC Guidelines