title: Failure of 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas to improve chronic radiation proctitis.
abstract: Radiation proctitis is a well-known complication of abdominal and pelvic radiation. Conventional medical and surgical treatment often is disappointing. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the active component in sulfasalazine and is effective in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis. Four patients with radiation proctitis were treated with 4 g 5-ASA by enema nightly for two to six months. Patients were seen monthly, interviewed, and a sigmoidoscopic exam performed. No change was seen in the degree of mucosal inflammation on follow-up sigmoidoscopic exams. Three patients noted no change in their symptoms of bleeding, pain, or tenesmus. One patient noted initial improvement, but this was not sustained. 5-ASA enemas do not appear to be effective in the treatment of radiation proctitis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Baum
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Biddle
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Miner
mesh_terms: D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004733:Enema / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019804:Mesalamine; D011349:Proctitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy
chemical_list: D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D019804:Mesalamine