Pilot trial of nicotine patches as an alternative to corticosteroids in ulcerative colitis.
In ten patients with mild to moderate clinical relapses of ulcerative colitis during treatment with mesalazine (1 g t.i.d.) and with a previous history of poorly tolerated steroid courses, transdermal nicotine (15 mg daily) was added for 4 weeks. Clinical findings were assessed by employing Rachmilewitz's activity index. In 7 of the patients, clinical remission was achieved, the results persisting for up to 3 months after nicotine withdrawal. Endoscopic and histological examination, when performed, confirmed the clinical findings. Nicotine patches may represent a good alternative to steroids in selected patients with mild to moderate relapses of ulcerative colitis. The precise mechanism of action remains unknown.
Guslandi
M
M
Gastroenterology Unit, S. Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Tittobello
A
A
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019804:Mesalamine; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence; D013256:Steroids; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013256:Steroids; D019804:Mesalamine; D009538:Nicotine