ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Recent data indicate that 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is most effective in preventing relapse of Crohn's disease in patients with a short duration of remission before enrolment.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉AimTo evaluate the efficacy of oral 5-ASA treatment, started immediately after achieving steroid-induced remission, in preventing clinical relapses of Crohn's disease.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉MethodsPatients with active Crohn's disease, achieving remission on steroids, were randomized to oral 5-ASA 3 g/day or placebo, while steroids were tapered over 6 weeks. The trial was terminated after interim analysis showed a slightly higher relapse rate in the 5-ASA group, and the calculated probability of seeing a statistically significant difference by completing the study was minimal.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉ResultsFinal analysis included 117 patients (58 taking 5-ASA and 59 taking placebo; follow-up 9.2 ± 6.5 months). Cumulative relapse rates at 6 and 12 months were 34% and 58% in 5-ASA patients and 31% and 52% in placebo patients, respectively (rate difference + 0.095; 95% CI = −0.085– + 0.274). Subgroups analysis showed that 5-ASA was equally ineffective in patients with ileal, colonic or ileocolonic disease.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉ConclusionsContrary to previous results, in our study early introduction of treatment with oral 5-ASA did not prevent relapse in Crohn's disease patients treated with steroids to induce remission.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.1997.00212.x
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