How should I approach the monitoring and follow-up of a patient with ulcerative colitis in remission?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Monitor the patient regularly with documented local safety monitoring policies and procedures, including audit, for adults, children, and young people receiving treatment that needs monitoring .

For children and young people, monitor growth and pubertal development against expected values on centile charts or z scores at intervals such as every 3 to 6 months during active disease or puberty, every 6 months during pubertal growth if inactive, and annually if none of these criteria apply .

Monitor pubertal development using Tanner staging through screening questions or formal examination, and consider referral to a paediatrician if pubertal progress is slow or development is delayed .

Ensure that information about monitoring of growth, pubertal development, and disease activity is shared across services to maintain continuity of care .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.