Rofecoxib and inflammatory bowel disease: clinical and pathologic observations.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical and pathologic findings in patients noted to develop lower gastrointestinal symptoms when exposed to rofecoxib.


METHODS
Case reports and associated biopsy findings.


RESULTS
Three patients who developed symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during rofecoxib exposure are described along with pathology findings. Two episodes were incident cases (no prior IBD); one episode was recurrent colitis or a nonincident case (flare of prior IBD). All symptoms resolved with drug withdrawal.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms and pathologic changes of colitis are associated with exposure to rofecoxib. Abnormalities resolve with drug withdrawal.
Wilcox
Gilbert M
GM
Department of Gastroenterology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME 04102-3214, USA. gwilcox1@maine.rr.com
Mattia
Anthony R
AR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy; D001706:Biopsy; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013450:Sulfones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007783:Lactones; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib