5-Aminosalicylic acid suppositories in the maintenance of remission in idiopathic proctitis or proctosigmoiditis: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Thirty patients with distal ulcerative colitis in remission (17 proctitis, 13 proctosigmoiditis) were randomly given either 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) or placebo suppositories, 400 mg bid. During the 1-yr follow-up, patients were assessed clinically every month, and flexible sigmoidoscopy with a rectal pinch biopsy specimen and laboratory data were carried out every 3 months. Two patients in the 5-ASA group chose to withdraw from the study, one relapsed, and 12 remained in remission. In the placebo group, one patient chose to withdraw, 11 relapsed, and three remained in remission. The cumulative remission rate at the 12th month was 92% in the 5-ASA group and 21% in the placebo group. Log rank test showed a significant difference in the relapse rate between the two groups (chi 2 = 14.26, p less than 0.001). No side effects were observed. We conclude that 5-ASA in suppository form (800 mg/day), administered for 1 yr, is safe and effective in maintaining remission of distal ulcerative colitis.
Gastroenterology Unit, Second Faculty of Medicine, University of Naples, Italy.
A
A
D'Arienzo
A
A
Panarese
F P
FP
D'Armiento
C
C
Lancia
P
P
Quattrone
F
F
Giannattasio
A
A
Boscaino
G
G
Mazzacca
D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019804:Mesalamine; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011349:Proctitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013488:Suppositories
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D013488:Suppositories; D019804:Mesalamine