Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9241722 | Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology | 2005 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Background & Aims: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant interferon-β-1a (rIFN-β-1a) in outpatients with active steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. Methods: Ninety-one randomized patients subcutaneously received 3 MIU rIFN-β-1a (group A, n = 32), 1 MIU rIFN-β-1a (group B, n = 30), or placebo (group C, n = 29) 3 times a week over a period of 8 weeks in addition to standard therapy. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment. Results: In all 3 groups, the median prestudy clinical activity index (CAI) was 10. In 18 of 32 patients (56%) in group A, in 11 of 30 patients (36%) in group B, and in 10 of 29 patients (34%) in group C, a reduction of the CAI of 6 points or greater (response) was achieved (differences were not statistically significant). Complete response (reduction of CAI to â¤4) was achieved in 56%, 30%, and 38% of patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Compared with baseline, the median endoscopic index had been reduced by 5, 3, and 4 points in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Steroid reduction was 12 mg in group A, 6 mg in group B, and 10 mg in group C. Identical side effects occurred in all 3 groups. Seven serious adverse events were reported (1 in group A and 6 in group C). All were unrelated to therapy as judged by the investigating physicians. Conclusions: rIFN-β-1a was safe but not significant, at the dosage and/or duration of treatment used, in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. Further studies are indicated.
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Authors
Eugen Musch, Tilo Andus, Wolfgang Kruis, Andreas Raedler, Martina Spehlmann, Stefan Schreiber, Bernd Krakamp, Mouhamad Malek, Helmut Malchow, Filip Zavada, Gerhard Engelberg Feurle,