Efficacy and tolerance of mesalazine suppositories vs. hydrocortisone foam in proctitis.
BACKGROUND
Topical treatments with steroids or mesalazine are the most effective treatments for idiopathic proctitis.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and tolerance of mesalazine suppositories vs. hydrocortisone acetate foam in the treatment of acute proctitis.


METHODS
242 patients with active idiopathic proctitis were randomized to receive once daily either one Pentasa suppository (mesalazine 1 g) or 100 mg hydrocortisone (Colofoam) for 14-21 days (until remission). Disease activity and tolerance of the treatments were assessed using a daily questionnaire, by physician assessment, and endoscopy score.


RESULTS
Both treatments induced a significant reduction in disease activity. Mesalazine suppositories were significantly more effective than hydrocortisone on rectal blood loss (P = 0.002) and mucus (P = 0.02) parameters, and on the degree of the decrease in endoscopy score (P = 0.02). No significant difference was observed between treatments concerning histology or tolerance.


CONCLUSIONS
Mesalazine suppositories were as well-tolerated as hydrocortisone foam, but were more effective for some parameters of disease activity.
Lucidarme
D
D
Hôpital Saint-Philibert, Lomme, France.
Marteau
P
P
Foucault
M
M
Vautrin
B
B
Filoche
B
B
D000208:Acute Disease; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008297:Male; D019804:Mesalamine; D011349:Proctitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011351:Proctoscopy; D013488:Suppositories
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013488:Suppositories; D019804:Mesalamine; D006854:Hydrocortisone