Failure of 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas to improve chronic radiation proctitis.

Abstract

Radiation proctitis is a well-known complication of abdominal and pelvic radiation. Conventional medical and surgical treatment often is disappointing. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the active component in sulfasalazine and is effective in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis. Four patients with radiation proctitis were treated with 4 g 5-ASA by enema nightly for two to six months. Patients were seen monthly, interviewed, and a sigmoidoscopic exam performed. No change was seen in the degree of mucosal inflammation on follow-up sigmoidoscopic exams. Three patients noted no change in their symptoms of bleeding, pain, or tenesmus. One patient noted initial improvement, but this was not sustained. 5-ASA enemas do not appear to be effective in the treatment of radiation proctitis.

• Authors: C A Baum, W L Biddle, P B Miner Jr
• Journal: Digestive diseases and sciences (Dig Dis Sci) Vol. 34 Issue 5 Pg. 758-60 (May 1989) ISSN: 0163-2116 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2714149 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aminosalicylic Acids
• Mesalamine

Topics

• Aminosalicylic Acids (administration & dosage)
• Chronic Disease
• Drug Evaluation
• Enema (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Mesalamine
• Proctitis (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Radiation Injuries (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Sigmoidoscopy