YouTube videos support multilingual subtitles. Please turn on subtitles to watch.

Clinical Case

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Case:
Recovery of a Refractory Patient Unresponsive Even to Remicade

The importance of step-by-step treatment for symptom improvement and normalization of inflammatory markers

A Painful Journey of a Patient in Their 30s

Hello. This is HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic, treating ulcerative colitis since 2007. A male patient in his 30s, diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in March 2024, did not improve despite the administration of steroids, 5-ASA agents, and the biologic Remicade. At the time of his initial visit, his condition was severe enough that he had lost 10kg in just half a month.

Initial Status

Condition at Initial Visit (January 2026)

  • Bowel Movements: 7–12 times a day, bloody and mucus stools, fecal urgency
  • Physical: 10kg weight loss, food intake dropped significantly to 0.5 portion
  • Test Results: Calprotectin 3202 points, CRP 4.2 (high), anemia

Turning Point in Treatment: Discrepancy Between Symptoms and Markers

Although symptoms improved rapidly after starting Korean medicine treatment, the March test showed an increase in calprotectin levels (6166 points). This was not a failure, but a signal that after resolving the first stage (digestive issues), it was time to transition to the second stage (inflammation treatment).

March 2026
Modification of Treatment Strategy

We switched to a prescription that intensifies inflammation treatment while excluding upper gastrointestinal medications. Since then, symptoms have improved significantly, leading to the stage where Remicade administration could be discontinued.

July 2026
Treatment Results
  • Calprotectin 5.1 points (Normalized)
  • Discontinued western medication and all symptoms vanished

By removing the causes in order, we achieved a complete recovery from a severe state that did not respond even to steroids and Remicade.

Thoughts from HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic

There is a clear sequence in treating ulcerative colitis. It is not just about suppressing symptoms; one must remove the root causes step by step. Do not give up even if you are exhausted by the treatment. Identifying the exact cause will open the way.

Inquiry AI