Olsalazine in ankylosing spondylitis: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To test the safety and efficacy of olsalazine in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) unresponsive to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and physiotherapy.


METHODS
Four patients, including 2 who had not responded to sulfasalazine (SASP) and one who did not tolerate SASP, were treated with olsalazine, up to 3 g/dl for 24 weeks.


RESULTS
One patient discontinued olsalazine due to diarrhea at 1 g/day. The other 3 experienced improvement in global spine self assessment by visual analog scale (VAS), 2 of 3 patients, spinal pain (VAS, 3 of 3), night pain (3 of 3), tender joint count (3 of 3) and enthesis score (3 of 3). Changes in Schober's test and chest expansion were minor. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were normal. Loose stools were the only adverse effects observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Olsalazine appears to be well tolerated and effective in men with AS. Further study of olsalazine and direct comparison with SASP in this population may illuminate mechanisms of drug action and add a new therapeutic option.
Chapman
C M
CM
Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, NY 14642.
Zwillich
S H
SH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; C032587:olsalazine