Mesalamine in the treatment and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis

Efficacy of long-term 4.0 g/day mesalazine (Pentasa) for maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis

Background

High-dose (4.0 g/day) mesalazine is typically used for induction therapy, but its efficacy as maintenance therapy remains to be determined. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to investigate the efficacy of continuous treatment with 4.0 g/day of mesalazine.

Material/Methods

Japanese ulcerative colitis (UC) patients receiving acute induction therapy with 4.0 g/day mesalazine were enrolled and followed. Those who clinically improved or who achieved clinical remission were categorized into 2 sub-groups according to the median duration of treatment with 4.0 g/day of mesalazine. The clinical relapse frequency and the time to relapse were analyzed.

Results

We enrolled 180 patients with active UC, and then 115 patients who clinically improved or who achieved clinical remission after treatment with 4.0 g/day mesalazine were categorized into 2 sub-groups according to the median of treatment duration: a short-term treatment group (≤105 days, n=58) and a long-term treatment group (>105 days, n=57). Overall, 45 (39.1%) patients relapsed: 28 (48.3%) in the short-term treatment group and 17 (29.8%) in the long-term treatment group. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The relapse-free rate in the long-term treatment group was significantly higher than that in the short-term treatment group (p<0.05). The mean time to relapse in the long-term treatment group was significantly longer than that in the short-term treatment group (425.6±243.8 days vs. 277.4±224.5 days; p<0.05).

Conclusions

Long-term continuous treatment with high-dose mesalazine (4.0 g/day) may be more effective than short-term treatment for maintenance of remission in UC patients.

Risks of inflammatory bowel disease treatment with glucocorticosteroids and aminosalicylates

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticosteroids and aminosalicylates, mainly mesalazine (5-ASA), are both standard therapeutics in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. The glucocorticosteroids are highly effective in inducing remission in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, but their use is limited by the high incidence and the potentially serious nature of adverse events. In an attempt to limit systemic side effects, rapidly metabolized corticosteroids such as budesonide have been introduced. The safety profile of aminosalicylates differs between the formulations.

METHODS

We summarize the potential risks associated with glucocorticosteroid and aminosalicylate therapy in IBDs.

RESULTS

The numerous adverse events of glucocorticosteroids, particularly at high doses and prolonged treatment, include opportunistic infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ocular effects (glaucoma and cataracts), psychiatric complications, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased fracture risk. Partially, these systemic adverse events occur with budesonide, which only has a low systemic exposure. The safety profile of 5-ASA is comparable to placebo and superior to the old aminosalicylate prodrug sulfasalazine, which had a significantly higher incidence of intolerance reactions including allergic rashes. Only in rare cases has nephrotoxicity such as interstitial nephritis been associated with 5-ASA.

CONCLUSION

Considering the toxicity profile of conventional glucocorticosteroids, one primary goal of treatment in IBD should be corticosteroid-free remission. Therapy with budesonide may result in a better safety profile. 5-ASA treatment is usually well tolerated, but with regard to the rare nephrotoxic events, it is advisable to assess renal function before and during treatment with 5-ASA.

Indian Society of Gastroenterology consensus on ulcerative colitis

In 2010, the Indian Society of Gastroenterology's Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases undertook an exercise to produce consensus statements on ulcerative colitis. This consensus, produced through a modified Delphi process, reflects our current understanding of the definition, diagnostic work up, treatment and complications of ulcerative colitis. The consensus statements are intended to serve as a reference point for teaching, clinical practice, and research in India.