Nicotine enemas for active Crohn's colitis: an open pilot study

Ingram, John R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5257-1142, Rhodes, J., Evans, B. K. and Thomas, G. A. O. 2008. Nicotine enemas for active Crohn's colitis: an open pilot study. Gastroenterology Research and Practice 2008 , 237185.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Smoking has a detrimental effect in Crohn's disease (CD), but this may be due to factors in smoking other than nicotine. Given that transdermal nicotine benefits ulcerative colitis (UC), and there is a considerable overlap in the treatment of UC and CD, the possible beneficial effect of nicotine has been examined in patients with Crohn's colitis. AIMS: To assess the efficacy and safety of nicotine enemas in active Crohn's colitis. Patients. Thirteen patients with active rectosigmoid CD; 3 patients were excluded because they received antibiotics. METHODS: Subjects were given 6 mg nicotine enemas, each day for 4 weeks, in an open pilot study. At the beginning and end of the trial, a Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) score was calculated, sigmoidoscopy was performed, and haematological inflammatory markers measured. RESULTS: Mean CDAI decreased from 202 to 153-the score was reduced in 6 patients, unchanged in 3, and increased in one. Frequency of bowel movements decreased in 8 patients and the sigmoidoscopy grade was reduced in 7. Mean C-reactive protein decreased from 22.0 to 12.3 mg/L. There were no withdrawals due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this relatively small study of patients with active Crohn's colitis, 6 mg nicotine enemas appeared to be of clinical benefit in most patients. They were well tolerated and safe.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Publisher:	Hindawi Publishing Corporation
ISSN:	1687-6121
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Date of Acceptance:	19 February 2008
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 02:46
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/84997

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