Safety and efficacy of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide in acute steroid refractory inflammatory bowel disease.
OBJECTIVE
One major problem in the management of steroid refractory attacks of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the establishment of a rapidly acting immunosuppressive regimen. Based on its well known efficacy in systemic vasculitis, intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was used in refractory IBD patients to evaluate both its efficacy and safety.


METHODS
Between December 1998 and May 2001, seven patients (Crohn's disease, n=5; indeterminate colitis, n=1) with severe steroid refractory IBD (Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) 264-479 points) received 4-6 cycles of monthly treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (750 mg) in a prospective uncontrolled pilot study.


RESULTS
All patients improved after two intravenous pulses of cyclophosphamide and six of seven patients achieved complete remission (CDAI <150 points). One patient with Crohn's disease of the small and large bowel showed an impressive clinical response but did not enter into remission. Tapering to low dose steroids was possible in all responders. Remission was maintained in all patients for 18 months (median) but required a second course of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide in one patient. The drug was well tolerated except for two episodes of candida oesophagitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide may be a safe and effective treatment in patients with severe IBD unresponsive to steroid treatment and merits evaluation in a controlled trial.
Stallmach
A
A
Department of Internal Medicine II, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
Wittig
B M
BM
Moser
C
C
Fischinger
J
J
Duchmann
R
R
Zeitz
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011239:Prednisolone