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Rofecoxib and inflammatory bowel disease: clinical and pathologic observations
Gilbert M Wilcox1, Anthony R Mattia
1Department of Gastroenterology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME 04102-3214, USA. gwilcox1@maine.rr.com
Objectives:
To describe clinical and pathologic findings in patients noted to develop lower gastrointestinal symptoms when exposed to rofecoxib.
Methods:
Case reports and associated biopsy findings.
Results:
Three patients who developed symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during rofecoxib exposure are described along with pathology findings. Two episodes were incident cases (no prior IBD); one episode was recurrent colitis or a nonincident case (flare of prior IBD). All symptoms resolved with drug withdrawal.
Conclusions:
Symptoms and pathologic changes of colitis are associated with exposure to rofecoxib. Abnormalities resolve with drug withdrawal.