The role of aminosalicylates in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Abstract

Aminosalicylates (5-ASA, sulfasalazine and mesalazine) play a central role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). For acute treatment of mild to moderate flares and in maintenance treatment, their efficacy has been established. Since ulcerative colitis is limited to the distal colon in two thirds of the patients, topical therapy also plays an important role. In mild/moderate active disease 5-ASA 4 g/d is as effective as oral corticosteroids. Ulcerative proctitis is treated with 2 x 500 mg or 1 x 1 g suppositories and proctosigmoiditis with 1 to 4 g enemas. Oral 5-ASA is also safe in maintenance treatment and is generally well tolerated. The risk of colorectal tumours is increased in patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis and epidemiological evidence indicates that chronic 5-ASA treatment reduces this risk. However, at present there is insufficient evidence to maintain patients on life-long 5-ASA maintenance treatment for this indication.

• Authors: Gert Van Assche, Filip Baert, Marc De Reuck, Martine De Vos, Olivier De Wit, Pierre Hoang, Edouard Louis, Fazia Mana, Paul Pelckmans, Paul Rutgeerts, Andre Van Gossum, Geert D'Haens
• Journal: Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica (Acta Gastroenterol Belg) 2002 Oct-Dec Vol. 65 Issue 4 Pg. 196-9 ISSN: 1784-3227 [Print] Belgium
• PMID: 12619425 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Sulfasalazine
• Mesalamine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (therapeutic use)
• Colitis, Ulcerative (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Mesalamine (therapeutic use)
• Sulfasalazine (therapeutic use)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome