Ornidazole in the treatment of active Crohn's disease: short-term results.

The object of this work was to test the efficacy of ornidazole in patients with active Crohn's disease. Twenty-five patients with active Crohn's disease (Crohn's disease activity index greater than 150 points) participated in this open study. The analysis of results was based on changes in the severity of the Crohn's disease activity index measured at entry and at the end of the first, second, and third and fourth week. Analysis of variance, correlation analysis, multiple regression analyses and chi-square test were used for statistical evaluation of results. The results showed that the Crohn's disease activity index fell gradually from week 0 to week 4 (p < 0.001), while the number of patients going into remission increased gradually from week 0 to week 4 (18/25 patients, 75%). Sex, location of disease, age at onset, first attack or recurrence and duration of disease were not statistically related to response to treatment. Presence and severity of abdominal pain both decreased and bowel movements were also reduced. General well-being improved significantly, the loss of weight stopped and an increase in body weight was noted at the end of the fourth week. Side effects were minimal. It is concluded that ornidazole is an effective and safe drug for the treatment of active Crohn's disease.