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CYCLOSPORINE EFFECTIVE IN CROHN'S DISEASE.

Considerable evidence suggests that Crohn's disease results from a dysfunctional response of the immune system. Moreover, several forms of immunosuppressive therapy are effective in Crohn's disease. A randomized trial of oral cyclosporine was therefore initiated in 71 patients with active chronic disease who were resistant to or intolerant of steroid therapy.

After three months of therapy, a significantly higher positive response was seen in the treatment group (59 percent) than in the control group (32 percent). The effect of treatment was seen within two weeks in most patients. After discontinuing treatment, however, 36 percent of patients relapsed. Some patients had poor absorption of the orally administered drug, and a consequent poorer response. No serious side effects, including renal failure, were observed.

Cyclosporine appears to be a new option for the short-term treatment of steroid-resistant Crohn's disease. Experiments with various dosing regimens and comparison with other forms of immunosuppressive therapy will surely follow.

— ALK

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine October 6, 1989

Citation(s):

Brynskov J et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of cyclosporine therapy in active chronic Crohn's disease. N Engl J Med 1989 Sep 28 321 845-850.

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