Abstract | BACKGROUND: AIM: METHODS: All patients with proven chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction treated with erythromycin were reviewed. Patients with symptomatic benefit are described in detail. Responders were compared with non-responders to identify the factors associated with benefit. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients (nine females; median age, 37 years; median follow-up, 41 months) were treated with oral erythromycin, 1.5-2.0 g/day. Six patients (three primary visceral myopathy, two normal histology on light microscopy, one visceral myopathy secondary to scleroderma) responded, with decreased pain and vomiting, normalized bowel dysfunction and decreased episodes of ileus. Five of the six patients (83%) who responded to erythromycin were male, compared with two of the nine non-responders (22%) (P = 0.04). Four of the six responders (67%) had histological or immunohistological visceral myopathy, compared with three of the nine patients (33%) who failed to respond. Responders were less likely than non-responders to be taking long-term opiates. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | A V Emmanuel, A G Shand, M A Kamm |
Journal | Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
(Aliment Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 19
Issue 6
Pg. 687-94
(Mar 15 2004)
ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England |
PMID | 15023171
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Gastrointestinal Agents
- Erythromycin
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Chronic Disease
- Erythromycin
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
(complications)
- Treatment Outcome
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