Mesalamine derivatives in the treatment of Crohn's disease.
The role of the aminosalicylates for induction therapy of mild moderate ulcerative colitis and as maintenance treatment has been substantiated by a large series of controlled clinical trials and confirmatory meta-analyses. Both sulfasalazine and newer derivatives are effective in preventing relapses. It remains to be determined whether certain high-risk groups of patients may benefit from higher doses of mesalamine induction or maintenance therapy. Mesalamine derivatives are also of benefit in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Sulfasalazine is likely not effective in the maintenance of Crohn's disease, although other mesalamine formulations continue to show some prophylactic activity after mesalamine induced remissions and for patients with disease of the ileum who have undergone surgical resection.
Harrell
Laura E
LE
Section of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 4076, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Hanauer
Stephen B
SB
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019804:Mesalamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D019804:Mesalamine