Efficacy and tolerance of mesalazine suppositories vs. hydrocortisone foam in proctitis.

BACKGROUND

Topical treatments with steroids or mesalazine are the most effective treatments for idiopathic proctitis.

AIM

To compare the efficacy and tolerance of mesalazine suppositories vs. hydrocortisone acetate foam in the treatment of acute proctitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

242 patients with active idiopathic proctitis were randomized to receive once daily either one Pentasa suppository (mesalazine 1 g) or 100 mg hydrocortisone (Colofoam) for 14-21 days (until remission). Disease activity and tolerance of the treatments were assessed using a daily questionnaire, by physician assessment, and endoscopy score.

RESULTS

Both treatments induced a significant reduction in disease activity. Mesalazine suppositories were significantly more effective than hydrocortisone on rectal blood loss (P = 0.002) and mucus (P = 0.02) parameters, and on the degree of the decrease in endoscopy score (P = 0.02). No significant difference was observed between treatments concerning histology or tolerance.

CONCLUSION

Mesalazine suppositories were as well-tolerated as hydrocortisone foam, but were more effective for some parameters of disease activity.