Topical therapy is underused in patients with ulcerative colitis

Optimizing 5-aminosalicylate for moderate ulcerative colitis: expert recommendations from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition

The lack of clear definition and classification for "moderate ulcerative colitis (UC)" creates ambiguity regarding the suitability of step-up versus top-down treatment approaches. In this paper, experts address crucial gaps in assessing and managing moderate UC. The Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition comprised 24 experts who convened to share, discuss and vote electronically on management recommendations for moderate UC. Experts emphasized that the goal of treating UC is to attain clinical, biomarker, and endoscopic remission using cost-effective strategies such as 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), well-tolerated therapy that can be optimized to improve outcomes. Experts agreed that 5-ASA therapy could be optimized by maximizing dosage (4 g/day for induction of remission), combining oral and topical administration, extending treatment duration beyond 8 weeks, and enhancing patient adherence through personalized counselling and reduced pill burden. Treatment escalation should ideally be reserved for patients with predictors of aggressive disease or those who do not respond to 5-ASA optimization. Premature treatment escalation to advanced therapies (including biologics and oral small molecules) may have long-term health and financial consequences. This paper provides consensus-based expert recommendations and a treatment algorithm, based on current evidence and practices, to assist decision-making in real-world settings.

[Efficient treatment of mild Crohn's disease and mild ulcerative colitis]

The cornerstone of treatment for mild ulcerative colitis is still the oral or topical (rectal) application of aminosalicylates (5-ASA). 5‑ASA preparations are often only administered orally in mild ulcerative colitis. Study data show that in ulcerative proctitis and left-sided colitis, rectal 5‑ASA preparations are even more effective than oral administration. In a next step, steroid-containing topical therapies should be used. Topical steroids such as budesonide are also primarily used in mild Crohn's disease. However, it is controversial whether treatment is necessary in symptom-free patients. There is still a lack of evidence to prove that more aggressive treatment (using immunosuppressants, biologics or small molecules) has a long-term benefit in these patients. Most guidelines are critical of the use of 5‑ASA in mild Crohn's disease. Nevertheless, there is some evidence for sufficiently high-dose treatment with 5‑ASA, although one must be aware of its limited effectiveness. However, there is clear evidence for the postoperative use of 5‑ASA in cases of mild recurrence.

The Role of Topical Tacrolimus in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focuses on the induction and maintenance of remission. Tacrolimus, a member of a group of drugs termed calcineurin inhibitors, may have a role in the medical management of IBD when given either systemically or topically. This review aimed to evaluate the available data focusing on the use of topical tacrolimus in the management of IBD. Reports of the use of topical tacrolimus in IBD were extracted from databases up to 31 May 2024. Topical tacrolimus therapy appears to have reasonable efficacy in the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with refractory IBD, with an acceptable safety profile. Overall, the available data are supportive of the use of topical tacrolimus in selected patients. Further comparative clinical studies are required to more fully delineate the role of this drug.

Ten missteps in the management of inflammatory bowel disease in Asia: An expert report by the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly emerging in the Asia Pacific region. However, there are many challenges in the diagnosis and management of this condition. The Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) Working Group on IBD conducted a round table meeting to identify 10 common mistakes in the management of IBD in Asia. To summarize, many physicians still over rely on a definitive histological diagnosis before starting treatment and do not fully establish disease extent such as perianal and proximal gastrointestinal involvement in Crohn's disease (CD) or extent of involvement in ulcerative colitis (UC). It is also essential to actively look for evidence of extra-intestinal manifestations, which may influence choice of therapy. In terms of conventional therapy, underuse of topical 5 aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) in UC and inappropriate dosing of corticosteroids are also important considerations. Acute severe UC remains a life-threatening condition and delay in starting rescue therapy after inadequate response to intravenous steroids is still common. Anti-tumor necrosis factors should be considered first line in all cases of complex perianal fistulizing CD. Most patients with IBD are on potent immunosuppressive therapy and should be screened for latent infections and offered vaccinations according to guidelines. Under-recognition and management of significant complications such as anemia, osteoporosis, malnutrition, and thromboembolism should also be addressed. Colonoscopy is still not properly performed for dysplasia/cancer surveillance and for evaluating post-op recurrence of CD. Another common misstep is inappropriate withdrawal of medications during pregnancy leading to increased complications for the mother and the newborn.

Clinical Features and Natural History of Paediatric Patients with Ulcerative Proctitis: A Multicentre Study from the Paediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ulcerative proctitis [UP] is an uncommon presentation in paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. We aimed to characterize the clinical features and natural history of UP in children, and to identify predictors of poor outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study involving 37 sites affiliated with the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN. Data were collected from patients aged <18 years diagnosed with UP between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

We identified 196 patients with UP (median age at diagnosis 14.6 years [interquartile range, IQR 12.5-16.0]), with a median follow-up of 2.7 years [IQR 1.7-3.8]. The most common presenting symptoms were bloody stools [95%], abdominal pain [61%] and diarrhoea [47%]. At diagnosis, the median paediatric ulcerative colitis activity index [PUCAI] score was 25 [IQR 20-35], but most patients exhibited moderate-severe endoscopic inflammation. By the end of induction, 5-aminosalicylic acid administration orally, topically or both resulted in clinical remission rates of 48%, 48%, and 73%, respectively. The rates of treatment escalation to biologics at 1, 3, and 5 years were 10%, 22%, and 43%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the PUCAI score at diagnosis was significantly associated with initiation of systemic steroids, or biologics, and subsequent acute severe colitis events and inflammatory bowel disease-associated admission, with a score ≥35 providing an increased risk for poor outcomes. By the end of follow-up, 3.1% of patients underwent colectomy. Patients with UP that experienced proximal disease progression during follow-up [48%] had significantly higher rates of a caecal patch at diagnosis and higher PUCAI score by the end of induction, compared to those without progression.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric patients with UP exhibit high rates of treatment escalation and proximal disease extension.

Temperature-triggered in situ forming lipid mesophase gel for local treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that strongly affects patient quality of life. Side effects of current therapies necessitate new treatment strategies that maximise the drug concentration at the site of inflammation, while minimizing systemic exposure. Capitalizing on the biocompatible and biodegradable structure of lipid mesophases, we present a temperature-triggered in situ forming lipid gel for topical treatment of colitis. We show that the gel is versatile and can host and release drugs of different polarities, including tofacitinib and tacrolimus, in a sustained manner. Further, we demonstrate its adherence to the colonic wall for at least 6 h, thus preventing leakage and improving drug bioavailability. Importantly, we find that loading known colitis treatment drugs into the temperature-triggered gel improves animal health in two mouse models of acute colitis. Overall, our temperature-triggered gel may prove beneficial in ameliorating colitis and decreasing adverse effects associated with systemic application of immunosuppressive treatments.

GelNB molecular coating as a biophysical barrier to isolate intestinal irritating metabolites and regulate intestinal microbial homeostasis in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of the structure and function of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Due to the poor remission effect and severe adverse events associated with current clinical medications, IBD remains an incurable disease. Here, we demonstrated a novel treatment strategy with high safety and effective inflammation remission via tissue-adhesive molecular coating. The molecular coating is composed of o-nitrobenzaldehyde (NB)-modified Gelatin (GelNB), which can strongly bond with -NH2 on the intestinal surface of tissue to form a thin biophysical barrier. We found that this molecular coating was able to stay on the surface of the intestine for long periods of time, effectively protecting the damaged intestinal epithelium from irritations of external intestinal metabolites and harmful flora. In addition, our results showed that this coating not only provided a beneficial environment for cell migration and proliferation to promote intestinal repair and regeneration, but also achieved a better outcome of IBD by reducing intestinal inflammation. Moreover, the in vivo experiments showed that the GelNB was better than the classic clinical medication-mesalazine. Therefore, our molecular coating showed potential as a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of IBD.

Broccoli-Derived Glucoraphanin Activates AMPK/PGC1α/NRF2 Pathway and Ameliorates Dextran-Sulphate-Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

As the prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) rises, the etiology of IBD draws increasing attention. Glucoraphanin (GRP), enriched in cruciferous vegetables, is a precursor of sulforaphane, known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. We hypothesized that dietary GRP supplementation can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in an acute colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Eight-week-old mice were fed a regular rodent diet either supplemented with or without GRP. After 4 weeks of dietary treatments, half of the mice within each dietary group were subjected to 2.5% DSS treatment to induce colitis. Dietary GRP decreased DSS-induced body weight loss, disease activity index, and colon shortening. Glucoraphanin supplementation protected the colonic histological structure, suppressed inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and reduced macrophage infiltration in colonic tissues. Consistently, dietary GRP activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathways in the colonic tissues of DSS-treated mice, which was associated with increased mitochondrial DNA and decreased content of the oxidative product 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), a nucleotide oxidative product of DNA. In conclusion, dietary GRP attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress induced by DSS, suggesting that dietary GRP provides a dietary strategy to alleviate IBD symptoms.

Novel Budesonide Suppository and Standard Budesonide Rectal Foam Induce High Rates of Clinical Remission and Mucosal Healing in Active Ulcerative Proctitis: a Randomised, Controlled, Non-inferiority Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Proctitis is the least extensive type of ulcerative colitis, for which rectal therapy is rarely studied and is underused. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and patient's preference of a novel formulation of budesonide suppository 4 mg, compared with a commercially available budesonide rectal foam 2 mg, for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis.

METHODS

This was a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either budesonide 4 mg suppository or budesonide 2 mg foam once daily for 8 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were changes from baseline to Week 8 in clinical symptoms, for which clinical remission was defined as having a modified Ulcerative Colitis-Disease Activity Index [UC-DAI] subscore for stool frequency of 0 or 1 and a subscore for rectal bleeding of 0, and mucosal healing, defined as having a modified UC-DAI subscore for mucosal appearance of 0 or 1. Using a more stringent criterion, we additionally analysed deepened mucosal healing, which was defined as a mucosal appearance subscore of 0. Patient's preference, physician's global assessment, and quality of life were also assessed and analysed.

RESULTS

Overall, 286 and 291 patients were included in the 4 mg suppository and 2 mg foam groups, respectively. Budesonide 4 mg suppository met the prespecified criterion for non-inferiority to the 2 mg foam in both co-primary endpoints of clinical remission and mucosal healing. Secondary endpoints consistently supported the non-inferiority of the suppository. Trends in favour of the suppository were observed in the subgroup of mesalazine non-responders. More patients reported a preference for the suppository over rectal foam.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ulcerative proctitis, budesonide 4 mg suppository was non-inferior to budesonide 2 mg foam in efficacy, and both were safe and well tolerated.

Mesalazine and inflammatory bowel disease - From well-established therapies to progress beyond the state of the art

Inflammatory bowel disease incidence has been constantly rising for the past few decades. Current therapies attempt to mitigate its symptoms since no cure is established. The most commonly prescribed drug for these patients is 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Due to the low rate and seriousness of side effects compared to other therapies, 5-ASA is still largely prescribed in many stages of inflammatory bowel disease, including scenarios where evidence suggests low effectiveness. Although commercialized formulations have come a long way in improving pharmacokinetics, it is still necessary to design and develop novel delivery systems capable of increasing effectiveness at different stages of the disease. In particular, micro- and nano-sized particles might be the key to its success in Crohn's disease and in more serious disease stages. This review provides an overview on the clinical significance of 5-ASA formulations, its limitations, challenges, and the most recent micro- and nanoparticle delivery systems being designed for its controlled release. Emergent alternatives for 5-ASA are also discussed, as well as the future prospects for its application in inflammatory bowel disease therapies.

Suppository treatment in ulcerative proctitis

Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a common form of ulcerative colitis (UC), the number of patients with UP is increasing. Suppository treatment containing mesalamine is usually the first-line choice for mild to moderate UP, here, we review the publications on mesalamine suppository in UP, to better understand its dosage, duration of therapy and adverse events in both induction and maintenance phases. We also review articles on budesonide, beclomethasone, tacrolimus, herbal medicine and acetarsol suppositories in UP, to present therapeutic strategies for patients with UP refractory to mesalamine suppository.

Budesonide-Loaded Pectin/Polyacrylamide Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery: Fabrication, Characterization and In Vitro Release Kinetics

A single ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the colonic mucosa at the distal colon and rectum. The mainstay therapy involves anti-inflammatory immunosuppression based on the disease location and severity. The disadvantages of using systemic corticosteroids for UC treatment is the amplified risk of malignancies and infections. Therefore, topical treatments are safer as they have fewer systemic side effects due to less systemic exposure. In this context, pH sensitive and enzymatically triggered hydrogel of pectin (PC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) has been developed to facilitate colon-targeted delivery of budesonide (BUD) for the treatment of UC. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), swelling ratio, and drug release. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the grafting as well loading of BUD in hydrogel. XRD showed the amorphous nature of hydrogel and increment in crystallinity after drug loading. On the other hand, SEM showed that the hydrogels exhibited a highly porous morphology, which is suitable for drug loading and also demonstrated a pH-responsive swelling behaviour, with decreased swelling in acidic media. The in-vitro release of BUD from the hydrogel exhibited a sustained release behaviour with non-ficken diffusion mechanism. The model that fitted best for BUD released was the Higuchi kinetic model. It was concluded that enzyme/pH dual-sensitive hydrogels are an effective colon-targeted delivery system for UC.

Accuracy of Ultrasound for Evaluation of Colorectal Segments in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The accuracy of ultrasound for evaluation of individual colorectal segments in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has not been evaluated in a systematic review. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in different colorectal segments of patients with IBD.

METHODS

We searched publication databases from inception through March 2019 for studies that assessed the accuracy of ultrasound in detection of inflammation in right, transverse, and left colon and in rectum in patients with IBD, using findings from colonoscopy as the reference standard. Subgroup analyses were performed including IBD type, patient age, body mass index, and study design. The risk of bias was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies (1101 patients) were included in the qualitative synthesis. After we assessed the risk of bias, 7 studies (comprising 84 patients with Crohn's disease and 420 patients with ulcerative colitis) were included in the meta-analysis. Bowel wall thickness ≥ 3 mm identified colorectal segments with inflammation with 86.4% pooled sensitivity (95% CI, 76.1%-92.7%) and 88.3% pooled specificity (95% CI, 58.1%-97.6%). In rectum only, bowel wall thickness ≥ 3 mm identified inflammation with 74.5% sensitivity (95% CI, 53.0%-88.3%) and 69.5% specificity (95% CI, 33.6%-91.1%). Diagnostic accuracy was comparable among subgroups. Increased bowel wall flow and loss of stratification had higher true-positive odds ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on meta-analysis of patient-level data, ultrasound has higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting inflammation in colon than rectum in patients with IBD. Studies are needed to increase the accuracy of ultrasound detection of inflammation in rectum.

Real-world safety and efficacy of twice-daily budesonide 2-mg foam in patients with ulcerative colitis: interim analysis of post-marketing surveillance

Background: Budesonide foam 2 mg twice daily induced complete mucosal healing in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in a phase 3 study. Post-marketing surveillance is underway to assess the real-world outcomes in UC patients.Research design and methods: The authors performed an interim analysis of post-marketing surveillance in 182 patients with mild-to-moderate UC who received 2 mg budesonide foam rectally.Results: Budesonide foam was prescribed twice daily to 76.4% of patients for 7.6 ± 3.8 weeks (mean ± standard deviation). Seven patients (3.8%) had at least one adverse drug reaction (ADR). A serious ADR of enteritis infectious and glucocorticoid-related ADRs of acne and hypertrichosis were observed in one patient (0.5%) each. The partial Mayo scores significantly decreased from baseline to week 2 in patients with proctitis, left-sided colitis, and pancolitis (p < 0.01 versus baseline each). Clinical response and remission at week 6 were 75.9% (60/79) and 68.4% (54/79), respectively. At week 6, 72.6% (77/106) of the patients reported as 'good compliance' and 54.7% (58/106) of the patients as 'very easy' for administration, using a self-administered questionnaire.Conclusions: Budesonide foam appeared to be safe, efficacious, and well-accepted in a real-world cohort of patients with UC. Trial registration: JapicCTI-183858.

Evaluation of Budesonide-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Thermoreversible Gels for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

New formulations for topical treatment of ulcerative colitis with budesonide inclusion complex (BUD_HP-β-CD) and poloxamers (PL) were developed for future clinical use.

AIMS

This study evaluated the efficacy of such novel formulations in a rat model of colitis.

METHODS

The PL-BUD_HP-β-CD systems were prepared by direct dispersion of the complex (BUD concentration 0.5 mg mL^-1) in solutions with PL407 or PL403. Male Wistar rats underwent TNBS-induced colitis and were treated for 5 days by a rectal route, as follows: BUD 1: BUD_HP-β-CD + PL407 (18%); BUD 2: BUD_HP-β-CD + PL407 (20%); BUD 3: BUD_HP-β-CD + PL407 (18%) + PL403 (2%); BUD 4: plain BUD; BUD 5: BUD_HP-β-CD; C1: HP-β-CD + PL407 (18%); C2: HP-β-CD + PL407 (20%); C3: HP-β-CD + PL407 (18%) + PL403 (2%); C4: saline. A negative control group without colitis was also used. Colitis was assessed via myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and macroscopic and microscopic damage score in colon tissues. Protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and endogenous glucocorticoids were obtained using ELISA.

RESULTS

BUD_HP-β-CD poloxamer formulations had similar MPO activity when compared with the negative control group. All formulations presented lower MPO activity than BUD_HP-β-CD and plain BUD (p < 0.001). BUD 2 produced lower microscopic score values than plain BUD and BUD_HP-β-CD (p < 0.01). All formulations with BUD_HP-β-CD poloxamers reduced TNF-α levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Novel budesonide inclusion complex formulations improved microscopic damage and reduced colonic MPO activity and TNF-α levels.

Review of normal gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis, proctitis and rectal medication adherence

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has a number of functions-ingestion, digestion, absorption and elimination. When the GI tract is working normally, it is efficient. However, this can change when disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs. IBD is a long-term relapsing and remitting autoimmune disease; it incorporates ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, part or all the mucosa lining the rectum and colon becomes inflamed and ulcerated. UC that affects the rectum only is called proctitis. Effective treatment is essential. It is better to target the rectal mucosa directly in proctitis, using topical rectal medications in enemas or suppositories, as these have fewer side-effects and resolve symptoms more quickly than systemic drugs. However, patients may not feel clear about aspects of their IBD care and can find it difficult to initiate and comply with treatment and maintenance regimens. Nurses need to educate and support them to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes in both the immediate and long terms.

Colitis and Crohn's Foundation (India) consensus statements on use of 5-aminosalicylic acid in inflammatory bowel disease

Despite several recent advances in therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) therapy has retained its place especially in ulcerative colitis. This consensus on 5-ASA is obtained through a modified Delphi process, and includes guiding statements and recommendations based on literature evidence (randomized trials, and observational studies), clinical practice, and expert opinion on use of 5-ASA in IBD by Indian gastroenterologists. The aim is to aid practitioners in selecting appropriate treatment strategies and facilitate optimal use of 5-ASA in patients with IBD.

Patients' Preference of Topical Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis in Japan: A Web-based 3T Survey

Background

The therapeutic drugs available for ulcerative colitis (UC) have recently increased. However, use of topical therapy for UC in Japan has not been determined. This study aimed to investigate real-world use of topical therapy for UC in Japan using a web-based survey designed for UC patients.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire on UC management was administered to 773 patients over a 2-day period in September 2019. The responses regarding topical therapy use were analyzed.

Results

Questionnaire responses were obtained from 323 UC patients. Of these, the mean disease duration was 12.2 years, and 220 patients (68.1%) had used topical therapy, of whom 68 (21.1%) were currently using this treatment. The frequency of using the prescribed topical therapy was appropriate in 36.8% of patients, only when needed in 38.6%, and rarely in 24.5%. Among all topical therapy users, 64.4% reported that budesonide foam was easy to use, which was significantly higher than the rates for mesalazine suppositories (43.6%), mesalazine enemas (12.9%), and glucocorticoid enemas (13.9%; P < 0.05). Regarding treatment effects, 68.9% of patients were satisfied with the budesonide foam, which was a significantly higher rate of satisfaction than those for mesalazine suppositories (44.6%), mesalazine enemas (30.2%), glucocorticoid enemas (36.1%), and glucocorticoid suppositories (41.9%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although topical therapy use was common in this Japanese UC population, patient adherence was not very high. Of all the topical therapy types, budesonide foam, which has recently become available, was rated highly by these patients.

Ulcerative Colitis: Disease Burden, Impact on Daily Life, and Reluctance to Consult Medical Professionals: Results from a Japanese Internet Survey

Background and Aim

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis has increased in Asian populations in recent years. This Japanese internet survey investigated the symptoms, impact, and treatment of ulcerative colitis, and communication between patients and medical professionals.

Methods

This was a non-interventional analysis of responses from participants with ulcerative colitis who had regularly visited medical providers for their disease in the past year.

Results

In 501 evaluable participants, the mean age was 39.8 years and mean disease duration was 7.6 years. Ulcerative colitis had a "significant impact" on daily life in 43.5% of participants who experienced bowel urgency and 48.6% who experienced bowel incontinence. Although the prevalence of bowel urgency and bowel incontinence was associated with higher stool frequency and rectal bleeding scores (p value for trend <0.0001), they still existed even in patients without frequent stools or rectal bleeding. Around 30% of participants hesitated to discuss symptoms such as bowel incontinence with a medical professional. Approximately three-quarters preferred to use websites for medical information. Most participants (78.0%) had used topical treatments. However, 25.7% were hesitant to use such treatments due to concerns about discomfort (48.1%) and administration difficulty (47.3%).

Conclusions

Ulcerative colitis significantly affects daily life, largely due to symptoms such as bowel urgency and bowel incontinence. Despite desiring to improve bowel incontinence, patients are embarrassed to consult physicians or nurses. Therefore, medical professionals should make an active effort to draw out patients' individual concerns, including symptoms that patients may not initially feel able to talk about openly.

Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) on topical therapy in ulcerative colitis

Although most patients with ulcerative colitis should be given topical treatment, different studies have shown that they are underused in clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to answer 10 specific questions about which drugs are available for topical use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and their characteristics in terms of formulation, dosage, presentation, application and proximal distribution of rectal-administered drugs. The efficacy of available topical drugs and the benefits of combining different formulations and routes of administration, and their usefulness during disease remission are evaluated. Finally, a series of recommendations addressed to patients are given on the correct application of topical treatment.

Real-World Data on Topical Therapies and Annual Health Resource Utilization in Hospitalized Swiss Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Objectives

Topical treatment with aminosalicylates and/or budesonide was shown to be highly effective in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), while reducing the likelihood of systemic adverse effects. However, previous research has shown that topical treatment is clearly underused. We aimed to evaluate the use of topical therapy in the real-world setting.

Methods

This is an observational study based on claims data of 201 Swiss adult patients who were hospitalized for UC between 2012 and 2014 and who were then followed for 1 year. A variety of factors presumably associated with topical treatment were examined. Annual health care utilization (UC-related medications, diagnostic procedures, consultations, and rehospitalizations) of patients with versus without topical therapy was compared.

Results

Of the 201 hospitalized UC patients, 82 (40.8%) were treated with topical 5-acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and/or topical rectal steroids. The main factors significantly and positively associated with receiving topical treatment were the use of topical treatment in the year prior to the hospitalization, receiving oral 5-ASA, and living in an urban area. The mode of administration was further related to the language area. Patients with topical therapy significantly more often received other UC-related medications, such as combinations with systemic steroids. They significantly more often underwent colonoscopies and calprotectin measurements, and more often consulted a gastroenterologist in the follow-up, while there was no significant difference regarding rehospitalizations.

Conclusions

Topical treatment is underused in patients with UC, which stands in contrast to the current European Crohn's and Colitis Organization guidelines. Patients' preferences and considerations need to be taken into account when prescribing medical therapy.

Management of ulcerative colitis in a real-life setting: An Italian multicenter, prospective, observational AIGO study

BACKGROUND

No data are available on the variability in the clinical management of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by Italian gastroenterologists. Therefore, improving the standards of UC care as provided by the National Welfare Clinical Path (PDTA), in accordance with the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) guidelines for UC, is not easy.

AIMS

To assess the management of UC by Italian gastroenterologists in a real-life setting taking into account its variability.

METHODS

This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study included IBD-specialized gastroenterologists (GSIBDs) and general gastroenterologists (GGs) working in Italian public hospital units. Consecutive patients with an UC flare were enrolled and the medical treatment evaluated. For each center, the physician in charge of the study (16 GSIBDs and 10 GGs) was administered two electronic questionnaires.

RESULTS

Among 26 units, 573 UC patients were enrolled. Good adherence to the European guidelines was reported; GSIBDs reported greater adherence than GGs with a higher prescription of rectal and combination therapy in mild to moderate distal disease and a higher rate of hospitalization in severe UC.

CONCLUSION

The management of UC by Italian gastroenterologists in clinical practice is good according to the ECCO consensus recommendations, though some discrepancies are present between GSIBDs and GGs.

Comparison of the efficiency of different enemas on patients with distal ulcerative colitis

Objectives

Rectal application of steroids and 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) is associated with few side effects and has a high therapeutic efficacy in left‐sided colitis. Previous studies have shown that rectal administration of both steroids and 5‐ASA is superior to one single alone. However, some reports are still controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the treatment choice and efficacy of these different enemas in distal ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

Materials and Methods

Questionnaire survey and a retrospective study were carried out in Chinese hospitals to investigate the efficacy of 5‐ASA or hydrocortisone/dexamethasone or their combination enema in patients with distal active UC. Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced colitis model in mice was also utilized to evaluate the effects in vivo.

Results

The results from questionnaire survey showed that majority of physicians would prefer oral 5‐ASA with topical 5‐ASA therapy for distal UC patients. However, 43.01% of physicians would like to choose oral 5‐ASA and topical hydrocortisone/dexamethasone with or without 5‐ASA enema. A retrospective study demonstrated that 5‐ASA enema or 5‐ASA combined with hydrocortisone/dexamethasone enema therapy was superior to hydrocortisone/dexamethasone enema to decrease C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Mayo score and induce clinical remission and clinical response. No superiority of combination therapy was further proved in DSS‐induced colitis in mice.

Conclusions

Although 43.01% of physicians would like to choose hydrocortisone/dexamethasone with or without 5‐ASA enema for the treatment of distal UC, the combination was not superior to 5‐ASA enema. Hydrocortisone/dexamethasone enema with 5‐ASA enema is not recommended for distal active UC patients.

The dietary freeze-dried fruit powder of Actinidia arguta ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the activation of MAPKs

Oral administration freeze-dried Actinidia arguta powder could ameliorate ulcerative colitis disease via inhibiting the activation of MAPKs pathway.

Budesonide Suppositories Are Effective and Safe for Treating Acute Ulcerative Proctitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although proctitis is the most limited form of ulcerative colitis, it causes unpleasant symptoms. Topical mesalamine, the standard treatment, is not always effective. We conducted a randomized phase 2 trial to determine the efficacy and safety of 2 doses of a budesonide suppository vs mesalamine suppositories vs combined budesonide and mesalamine suppositories for proctitis.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter trial in 337 patients with active proctitis to compare the efficacies of 4 different suppository treatments. Patients were randomly assigned to groups given 2 mg budesonide suppositories (2 mg BUS; n = 89 patients), 4 mg BUS (n = 79), 1 g mesalamine suppositories (1 g MES; n = 81), or the combination of 2 mg BUS and 1 g MES (n = 88). The study was performed from November 2013 through July 2015 at 36 study sites in Europe and Russia. The primary end point was the time to resolution of clinical symptoms, defined as the first of 3 consecutive days with a score of 0 for rectal bleeding and stool frequency.

RESULTS

The mean time to resolution of symptoms in the 4 mg BUS (29.8 days) and combination of 2 mg BUS and 1 g MES (29.3 days) groups resembled that of the standard 1 g MES treatment (29.2 days), but was significantly longer in the 2 mg BUS group (35.5 days). Furthermore, proportions of patients with deep, clinical, and endoscopic remission, as well as mucosal healing, were similar among the 1 g MES, 4 mg BUS, and combination therapy groups, but significantly lower in the group that received 2 mg BUS. No safety signals were observed, and the patients' treatment acceptance was high (67%-85% of patients).

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter randomized trial, we found that the efficacy and safety of 4 mg BUS in treatment of active proctitis did not differ significantly from those of 1 g MES. Budesonide suppositories offer an alternative therapy to mesalamine for topical treatment of proctitis. Clinicaltrialsregister.eu no: 2012-003362-41.

The Use of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid in Children and Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

In ulcerative colitis (UC) 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is recommended as primary therapy for mild to moderate disease. Topical 5-ASA has been proven especially effective. In Crohn's disease (CD) the evidence for a beneficial role of 5-ASA is weak. We investigated the use of topical and systemic 5-ASA therapy in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of patients younger than 18 years, registered between April 2008 and December 2015 in the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients were included; 189 with CD and 131 with UC. Over one third of UC patients [51 (39%)] received topical 5-ASA therapy and 43 (33%) received combination therapy during their disease course. UC patients with left-sided colitis or proctitis were more likely to receive topical or combination therapy as compared with patients with pancolitis (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). An increase in the use of topical 5-ASA therapy in UC patients was noted over time from 5% to 38%. Forty-seven percent of CD patients were treated with oral 5-ASA during their disease course. The usage was stable over time at approximately 15% to 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

In recent years a very positive trend showing an increase in topical 5-ASA therapy in children and adolescents with UC has been observed. However topical therapy is still used with relative low frequency, especially in patients with a more extensive disease. Conversely, despite weak evidence supporting 5-ASA use in CD patients it has been frequently prescribed. Physicians should continue to encourage their UC patients to use topical therapy.

Optimized Management of Ulcerative Proctitis: When and How to Use Mesalazine Suppository

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative proctitis, one of the disease types of ulcerative colitis, is considered one of the initial manifestations of ulcerative colitis. Prevention of aggravation of ulcerative proctitis is important for improving the prognosis of ulcerative colitis. Here we reviewed the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of ulcerative proctitis.

SUMMARY

The number of patients with ulcerative proctitis is increasing. Disease extension occurs in many patients with ulcerative proctitis. Differential diagnosis from other chronic proctitis is important and should be performed based on the clinical history and endoscopical and histological features. Mesalazine suppository has been the first-line therapy for patients with ulcerative proctitis because of its high effectiveness and safety. Topical treatment of ulcerative proctitis, particularly using mesalazine suppository has been underused in clinical practice. Key Messages: Mesalazine suppositories are more effective than dose intensification of oral mesalazine for relapsed patients with maintenance dose of oral mesalazine. However, low adherence to rectal mesalazine has hindered remission in patients with ulcerative proctitis.

Roflumilast, type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, attenuates inflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis via down-regulation of iNOS and elevation of cAMP

BACKGROUND

Roflumilast (Rof), a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has been shown to be an effective agent in inflammatory diseases and marketed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Rof in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal control, colitis group (rats received 5% DSS in their drinking water continuously for 7 days), Rof group, and sulfasalazine (SLZ) group. The Rof (5 mg/kg) and SLZ (500 mg/kg) groups underwent pretreatment with DSS one week ahead of DSS challenge and parallel with DSS. Colitis was determined by assessing colon length, weight loss, histologic colon score, quantifying the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in colon tissue.

RESULTS

Rof attenuated the severity of colitis as evidenced by increased colon length, prevention of body weight loss, and improved colon histologic score compared to DSS group. Rof also suppressed the inflammatory response induced in DSS colitis group by decreasing colon concentration of TNF-α, NO and MPO activity and down- regulation of iNOS gene expression. The level of cAMP was increased by Rof compared to DSS group. The obtained results of Rof were comparable to those exerted by SLZ.

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed the beneficial effects of Rof in alleviating inflammation in DSS colitis.

Alicaforsen, an Antisense Inhibitor of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, in the Treatment for Left-Sided Ulcerative Colitis and Ulcerative Proctitis

BACKGROUND

Data on the efficacy of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antisense oligonucleotide alicaforsen in ulcerative colitis (UC) is inconsistent.

METHODS

All patients, who had received at least one dose of alicaforsen, were analyzed retrospectively. Alicaforsen's efficacy was assessed in patients treated for left-sided UC and proctitis by comparing clinical and (if applicable) endoscopic disease activity before/after treatment.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were treated for left-sided UC or proctitis. Eleven patients received a 6-week course of a once-daily 240 mg alicaforsen enema formulation. In 1 patient, treatment was discontinued, because it was found to be inefficient. Disease activity measured by the partial Mayo score and 6-point symptom score was significantly reduced after treatment (6.0 vs. 2.4, p = 0.011 and 3.7 vs. 1.4, p = 0.008). Faecal calprotectin showed a trend towards reduction (484.4 vs. 179.5 μg/g, p = 0.063). Clinical improvement was achieved in 10 patients (83.3%). In 7 patients, a relapse occurred (70%). Median duration of clinical improvement was 18.0 weeks (range 1-112). Three patients showed an ongoing improvement of >9 months. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

A 6-week course of alicaforsen seemed to be safe and efficacious in inducing clinical improvement in patients with left-sided UC and proctitis. Prolonged clinical improvement was observed in many but not all patients.

Strategies for remission induction of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is an abnormal immune-mediated, chronic, recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder, which is caused by a variety of factors, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBD is characterized by alternating periods of relapse and remission. During the active period of IBD, clinicians usually formulate an appropriate medical management plan based on the disease activity, location, extent, and the medication history. In this way, remission can be induced as soon as possible. This paper summarizes the strategies for remission induction of IBD.

Mesalamine Enemas for Induction of Remission in Oral Mesalamine-refractory Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Paediatric ulcerative colitis [UC] is more extensive than adult disease, and more often refractory to mesalamine. However, no prospective trials have evaluated mesalamine enemas for inducing remission in children. Our goal was to evaluate the ability of mesalamine enemas to induce remission in mild to moderate paediatric UC refractory to oral mesalamine.

METHODS

This was an open-label arm of a previously reported randomised controlled trial of once-daily mesalamine in active paediatric UC [MUPPIT trial]. Children aged 4-18 years, with a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index [PUCAI] score of 10-55, were enrolled after failing at least 3 weeks of full-dose oral mesalamine. Patients treated with steroids or enemas in the previous month and those with isolated proctitis were excluded. Children received Pentasa® enemas 25 mg/kg [up to 1g] daily for 3 weeks with the previous oral dose. The primary endpoint was clinical remission by Week 3.

RESULTS

A total of 38 children were enrolled (mean age 14.6 ± 2.3 years; 17/38 [45%] with extensive colitis). Clinical remission was obtained in 16 [42%] and response was obtained in 27 [71%] at Week 3. Eight children deteriorated and required steroids. There were no differences in baseline parameters between those who entered or failed to enter remission, including disease extent [43% in left-sided and 41% in extensive colitis] and disease activity [44% in mild and 41% in moderate activity].

CONCLUSION

Clinical remission can be markedly increased in children who are refractory to oral mesalamaine by adding mesalamine enemas for 3 weeks, before commencing steroids.

Therapeutic requirements in active ulcerative proctitis: A single-centre study

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative proctitis (UP) presents distinctive clinical characteristics, outcomes and therapeutic approaches as compared to left-sided and extensive ulcerative colitis (UC).

AIM

To describe the current therapeutic requirements and clinical outcomes in patients with active UP.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study conducted in a referral IBD centre. Patients with UP in follow-up between 1989 and 2014 were included. The clinical characteristics, as well as the different treatments and drug formulations administered to treat flares, were recorded.

RESULTS

Out of 687 UC patients, 101 patients (15%) with UP were included. Median follow-up was 8 years (IQR 3-14) and 49% of patients presented disease activity during the study period. Topical mesalazine monotherapy (90%) was the most commonly administered treatment for disease activity (mostly as suppositories), followed by topical steroids (47%) and oral mesalazine (56%) in monotherapy or combination therapy. Only 14% and 16% of patients required oral prednisone and beclomethasone, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In clinical practice, active UP presents mostly favourable outcomes. Mesalazine suppositories are by far the most used treatment for these patients.

Ultrasound-mediated gastrointestinal drug delivery

There is a significant clinical need for rapid and efficient delivery of drugs directly to the site of diseased tissues for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies, in particular, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. However, complex therapeutic molecules cannot easily be delivered through the GI tract because of physiologic and structural barriers. We report the use of ultrasound as a modality for enhanced drug delivery to the GI tract, with an emphasis on rectal delivery. Ultrasound increased the absorption of model therapeutics inulin, hydrocortisone, and mesalamine two- to tenfold in ex vivo tissue, depending on location in the GI tract. In pigs, ultrasound induced transient cavitation with negligible heating, leading to an order of magnitude enhancement in the delivery of mesalamine, as well as successful systemic delivery of a macromolecule, insulin, with the expected hypoglycemic response. In a rodent model of chemically induced acute colitis, the addition of ultrasound to a daily mesalamine enema (compared to enema alone) resulted in superior clinical and histological scores of disease activity. In both animal models, ultrasound treatment was well tolerated and resulted in minimal tissue disruption, and in mice, there was no significant effect on histology, fecal score, or tissue inflammatory cytokine levels. The use of ultrasound to enhance GI drug delivery is safe in animals and could augment the efficacy of GI therapies and broaden the scope of agents that could be delivered locally and systemically through the GI tract for chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Rectal budesonide and mesalamine formulations in active ulcerative proctosigmoiditis: efficacy, tolerance, and treatment approach

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated disease of the colon that is characterized by diffuse and continuous inflammation contiguous from the rectum. Half of UC patients have inflammation limited to the distal colon (proctitis or proctosigmoiditis) that primarily causes symptoms of bloody diarrhea and urgency. Mild-to-moderate distal UC can be effectively treated with topical formulations (rectal suppositories, enemas, or foam) of mesalamine or steroids to reduce mucosal inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Enemas or foam formulations adequately reach up to the splenic flexure, have a minimal side-effect profile, and induce remission alone or in combination with systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Herein, we compare the efficacy, cost, patient tolerance, and side-effect profiles of steroid and mesalamine rectal formulations in distal UC. Patients with distal mild-to-moderate UC have a remission rate of approximately 75% (NNT =2) after treatment for 6 weeks with mesalamine enemas. Rectal budesonide foam induces remission in 41.2% of patients with mild-to-moderate active distal UC compared to 24% of patient treated with placebo (NNT =5). However, rectal budesonide has better patient tolerance profile compared to enema formulations. Despite its favorable efficacy, safety, and cost profiles, patients and physicians significantly underuse topical treatments for treating distal colitis. This necessitates improved patient education and physician familiarity regarding the indications, effectiveness, and potential financial and tolerability barriers in using rectal formulations.

Adherence to Rectal Mesalamine in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Rectal mesalamine is an effective induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis. Little is known about the adherence rates to rectal mesalamine or barriers to its use. The aim was to quantify the prevalence of nonadherence to rectal mesalamine and to identify patient-reported barriers to adherence.

METHODS

A cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis was prospectively enrolled in this observational study and followed for 12 months. Adherence was assessed by tracking pharmacy refills (medication possession ratio). Individual interviews were undertaken in a subset of subjects. Transcripts from the focus groups and interviews were analyzed to identify themes and links between these themes using qualitative data software (MaxQDA).

RESULTS

Seventy patients prescribed rectal mesalamine were prospectively enrolled in the study. At enrollment, 39 of 70 subjects (55%) self-reported "occasional nonadherence" to rectal mesalamine. Over the 12-month follow-up period, only 20 subjects (26%) completed 3 or more refills. Males, or subjects prescribed a once-a-day suppository, were significantly more likely to refill than females (odds ratio = 3.3, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-10.9) or those prescribed suppositories more than once a day (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.7). By medication possession ratio criteria, 71% of all subjects were nonadherent with their prescribed regimen (medication possession ratio <0.6). Nonadherers were significantly older than adherent subjects: mean age 48 years in nonadherers, versus 37 in adherers, P = 0.04. Patients who were nonadherent to rectal mesalamine frequently cited the mode of administration (65%) and busy lifestyle (40%) as reasons for nonadherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Intentional nonadherence is common in patients who have been prescribed rectal mesalamine. Gender, age, frequency of dosing, and lifestyle factors may impact adherence.

Systematic Review: Rectal Therapies for the Treatment of Distal Forms of Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Many therapeutic options are available for patients with distal forms of ulcerative colitis (UC). Rectal therapies (e.g., suppositories, foams, gels, and enemas) may be recommended either alone or in combination with oral treatment. Compared with oral therapies, rectal therapies are underused in patients with distal forms of UC, although rectal therapies have favorable efficacy and safety profiles.

METHODS

This systematic review identified 48 articles for inclusion after a comprehensive PubMed search and the identification of additional relevant articles through other sources. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies examining efficacy and safety of 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroid, and non-5-aminosalicylic acid rectal therapies (suppositories, foams, gels, and enemas) that induce or maintain remission in patients with ulcerative proctitis, ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, or left-sided colitis (i.e., distal forms of UC). The quality of the evidence presented was evaluated using the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Overall, a greater percentage of patients with distal forms of UC receiving 5-aminosalicylic acids or corticosteroid rectal formulations derived greater therapeutic benefit after treatment compared with patients receiving placebo. Furthermore, most uncontrolled studies of rectal therapies reported that patients with distal forms of UC had marked improvement from baseline after treatment. The overall safety profile of rectal therapies was favorable. Treatment with second-generation corticosteroids, such as budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate, did not increase the incidence of steroid-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature supports the use of rectal therapies for both induction and maintenance of remission in patients with distal forms of UC.

Oral administration of geraniol ameliorates acute experimental murine colitis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling

Oral administration of geraniol ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

Suppositories for treatment of ulcerative colitis

In recent decades, the incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) presents a gradually upward trend. The combination of topical and oral therapy is more widely adopted in current management of UC in comparison with traditional oral therapy. As a typical topical therapy, suppository treatment has received increasing attention due to its convenience, high tolerance and good curative effect. Aminosalicylic acid preparations are the major Western medicine suppositories, consisting of sulfasalazine suppository and mesalazine suppository, with the latter considered the first choice for mild-to-moderate UC due to better efficacy and fewer side effects. For traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), several drugs have been applied as suppositories. Qingchang suppository is a representative of TCM suppositories whose therapeutic principle is based on heat-clearing and detoxicating effects. This article reviews the recent progress in suppository treatment of UC.

The effectiveness and safety of rescue treatments in 108 patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis with sequential rescue therapies in a subgroup of patients

BACKGROUND

Among patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) in whom a first rescue therapy has failed, a second line salvage treatment can be considered to avoid colectomy.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of second or third line rescue therapy over a one-year period.

METHODS

Response to single or sequential rescue treatments with infliximab (5mg/kg intravenously (iv) at week 0, 2, 6 and then every 8weeks), ciclosporin (iv 2mg/kg/daily and then oral 5mg/kg/daily) or tacrolimus (0.05mg/kg divided in 2 doses) in steroid-refractory moderate to severe UC patients from 7 Swiss and 1 Serbian tertiary IBD centers was retrospectively studied. The primary endpoint was the one year colectomy rate.

RESULTS

60% of patients responded to the first rescue therapy, 10% went to colectomy and 30% non-responders were switched to a 2(nd) line rescue treatment. 66% of patients responded to the 2(nd) line treatment whereas 34% failed, of which 15% went to colectomy and 19% received a 3(rd) line rescue treatment. Among those, 50% patients went to colectomy. Overall colectomy rate of the whole cohort was 18%. Steroid-free remission rate was 39%. The adverse event rates were 33%, 37.5% and 30% for the first, second and third line treatment respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that medical intervention even with 2(nd) and 3(rd) rescue treatments decreased colectomy frequency within one year of follow up. A longer follow-up will be necessary to investigate whether sequential therapy will only postpone colectomy and what percentage of patients will remain in long-term remission.

Long-term efficacy and safety of once-daily mesalazine granules for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis

In 1977, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was discovered as a therapeutically active moiety of sulfasalazine (SASP) and was launched for topical and oral therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC) in 1984. As a first-step, delivery systems had to be developed to protect 5-ASA against absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract, resulting in different and competing strategies (azo compounds, controlled release, and pH-dependent release). In a second step, at the beginning of the new century, coinciding with the expiration of patent protection for the first 5-ASA formulations, two component composite release mechanisms (pH-dependent and controlled release) were developed. Furthermore, the drug was formulated as granules instead of tablets, allowing higher unit strengths compared with tablets. Neither Salofalk Granu-Stix^®, nor MMX 5-ASA, nor Pentasa^® granules have initially been developed for once-daily (OD) dosing. A review of the achievements of 20 years of 5-ASA development has demonstrated that 5-ASA has equal efficacy compared with SASP at best, that there are no measurable differences in efficacy between various 5-ASA preparations, and that in a group of patients tolerating SASP, adverse event profiles of SASP and 5-ASA did not differ significantly, with SASP being the far cheaper substance. Therefore, drug adherence came into focus as a new goal for improving UC therapy. Although adherence is a complex and multifactorial construct, a simple dosing schedule may contribute to higher drug adherence and better efficacy of treatment. Simultaneously, the US 5-ASA market, estimated to be worth US$1.4 billion, is expected to grow continuously. Naturally, this very competitive market is not only driven by scientific progress but also by commercial interests. Thus, patents for minor changes to the formulation may serve as protection against drug companies trying to launch generic versions. Randomized controlled trials performed on OD dosing in induction of remission have demonstrated that OD administration of 5-ASA is as effective as conventional dosing in mild to moderate active UC. The three 5-ASA products MMX, Salofalk^®, and Pentasa^® employed in those studies so far have not shown differences in efficacy between OD and conventional dosing. No differences regarding safety outcomes have been detected between OD and conventional dosing, including incidence of adverse events, serious adverse events, or withdrawal from treatment due to an adverse event. Although the majority of patients prefer OD dosing to conventional dosing, it was not possible to detect differences in adherence between OD and multiple dose regimens in the clinical trial setting. Well-designed and controlled large-scale community-based studies are necessary to further investigate and prove the point of improved long-term adherence and treatment efficacy in OD dosing.

Ulcerative proctitis: an update on the pharmacotherapy and management

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) presents as proctitis in approximately a quarter of the patients. It may progress into left-sided or extensive colitis in up to 50% of cases upon long-term follow-up.

AREAS COVERED

Currently available data on ulcerative proctitis are summarized and critically reviewed. Extensive literature search (MEDLINE) was performed to identify relevant articles up to March 2014.

EXPERT OPINION

The short-term goal of the treatment in UC is to induce remission, whereas long-term goals are to maintain remission and prevent disease progression. Topically administered 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) and corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of proctitis, although they seem to be underused in everyday practice. Locally administered 5-ASA preparations are more effective than oral compounds. The combination of topical and oral 5-ASA and steroids should be considered for escalation of treatment. Refractory patients should be re-evaluated to exclude for compliance failures, infections or proximal disease extent. True refractory or steroid-dependent patients may require immunomodulators or biological therapy. Alternative medicine can be used complementarily, while experimental approaches are reserved for patients failing conventional medication. Proctocolectomy may be the last resort of treatment. Upon long-term, 5-ASA maintenance treatment is indicated in all UC cases to prevent relapse and disease progression.