The literature on ulcerative colitis has been reviewed and selected publications dealing with various aspects of the incidence, pathology, suggested etiologies, natural history, and management of the condition have been presented and commented on. Stress has been placed on facets of the literature which might be more applicable to children with the disease. This review emphasizes the need for more careful attention to the natural course of the disease in children who display two major clinical patterns, the remitting and the chronic continuous varieties. A greater association of rectal bleeding with the remitting pattern is pointed out and the more favorable prognosis of this form of disease is discussed. Recommended treatments are examined in the light of the symptoms for which they are prescribed and of the contrasting prognoses expected in the two major clinical types.