Abstract | BACKGROUND: The search is on to find more effective drug regimens for patients with severe ulcerative colitis, as conventional drugs such as sulfasalazine and its congeners fail to prevent relapse in a significant number of patients. Azathioprine has also been reported to be useful as a steroid-sparing drug in patients who suffer from frequent relapses. As these drugs when used individually fail to sustain remission in a significant number of patients, we evaluated the combination of these two drugs. METHODS: Thirty-five newly diagnosed patients with severe ulcerative colitis were randomized into two groups; group A (combination therapy) received sulfasalazine and azathioprine, while group B ( sulfasalazine monotherapy) received sulfasalazine and placebo. In addition, all the patients received steroids initially to achieve clinical remission. The patients were followed-up for a period of 1 year. The therapeutic outcome was measured by the number of patients who suffered relapse in each group. RESULTS: All the patients completed the 1-year study period. While 4 patients (23.5%) in group A suffered relapse of disease, 10 (55.6%) in group B suffered relapse, the difference being statistically significant. The relapse-free period was also significantly longer in group A. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Ajit Sood, Vikas Kaushal, Vandana Midha, Krishan Lal Bhatia, Neena Sood, Vineeta Malhotra |
Journal | Journal of gastroenterology
(J Gastroenterol)
Vol. 37
Issue 4
Pg. 270-4
( 2002)
ISSN: 0944-1174 [Print] Japan |
PMID | 11993510
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
- Glucocorticoids
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Azathioprine
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Topics |
- Adult
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
(administration & dosage)
- Azathioprine
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Colitis, Ulcerative
(drug therapy)
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Glucocorticoids
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Secondary Prevention
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