-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Mesalazine (mesalamine) granules (MG) were shown to be effective for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis (UC) in two double-blind placebo-controlled trials.
To evaluate the efficacy of once-daily MG for maintenance of remission in patients with UC who switched from other 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) formulations.
Data from two independent multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-month trials evaluating patients with UC in remission were combined for analysis of a subpopulation of patients who switched from other 5-ASA formulations to MG 1.5 g or placebo upon randomisation. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who remained relapse-free at Month 6 or end of treatment. Relapse was defined as a Sutherland Disease Activity Index (SDAI) rectal bleeding score ≥1 and mucosal appearance score ≥2, a UC flare or medication used to treat a UC flare.
Of the 487 patients who received 5-ASA maintenance therapy at enrolment, 322 were in the MG group and 165 were in the placebo group. The percentage of patients who remained relapse-free (based on Sutherland Disease Activity Index scores) after 6 months was significantly higher with MG than placebo (78.3% vs. 58.8%, P < 0.001). Rectal bleeding, stool frequency and the physician's rating of disease activity remained unchanged after 6 months in a higher percentage of patients using MG compared with those on placebo (P < 0.004 for each endpoint).
Mesalazine granules 1.5 g once-daily is effective for maintenance of remission in UC patients who switch from other 5-ASA formulations. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT00744016, NCT00767728.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 05/2012; 36(2):126-34. · 3.77 Impact Factor
-
A Sanyal,
Z M Younossi,
N M Bass,
K D Mullen,
F Poordad,
R S Brown,
R P Vemuru,
M Mazen Jamal,
S Huang,
K Merchant, E Bortey,
W P Forbes
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain disorder that often results from cirrhosis due to viral hepatitis, metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease, and is characterised by cognitive, psychiatric and motor impairments. Recurrent bouts of overt HE negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life.
To evaluate the effect of rifaximin on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in cirrhotic patients with HE.
Patients with cirrhosis in remission from HE (Conn score = 0 or 1) and a documented history of recurrent HE episodes (≥2 within 6 months of screening) were randomised to rifaximin 550 mg twice daily (N = 101) or placebo (N = 118) for 6 months. Concomitant lactulose was permitted during the study. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) was administered every 4 weeks, and time for occurrence of HE breakthrough was recorded. A longitudinal analysis using time-weighted averages of the CLDQ scores normalised by days on study therapy was used to evaluate the effect of treatment on HRQL, and between HE outcomes (HE recurrence, yes/no) irrespective of treatment.
The time-weighted averages of the overall CLDQ score and each domain score were significantly higher in the rifaximin group vs. placebo (P-values ranged from 0.0087 to 0.0436); and were significantly lower in patients who experienced HE breakthrough compared to those who remained in remission (P-values were <0.0001).
Rifaximin significantly improved HRQL in patients with cirrhosis and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. A lower HRQL may predict recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 08/2011; 34(8):853-61. · 3.77 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing and remitting idiopathic inflammatory bowel disorder.
To evaluate once-daily mesalamine (mesalazine) granules (MG) for maintenance of remission of UC.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients (n=209 MG, n=96 placebo) with UC in remission [revised Sutherland Disease Activity Index (SDAI) rectal bleeding=0, mucosal appearance <2] who took MG 1.5 g or placebo once-daily for up to 6 months. Primary efficacy endpoint: the percentage of patients who remained relapse-free at month 6/end of treatment. Relapse was defined as SDAI rectal bleeding score ≥1 and a mucosal appearance score ≥2, a UC flare, or initiation of medication to treat a UC flare.
The percentage of relapse-free patients at month 6/end of treatment was higher with MG than placebo (78.9% vs. 58.3%, P < 0.001) in the intent-to-treat analysis. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.025) favouring MG were observed for most secondary endpoints including improvement in rectal bleeding, physician's disease activity rating, stool frequency, the SDAI at month 6/end of treatment, patients classified as a treatment success and relapse-free duration. The incidence of adverse events was similar between groups.
Once-daily mesalamine (mesalazine) was effective in maintaining remission of UC for 6 months.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 10/2010; 32(8):990-9. · 3.77 Impact Factor
