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Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn's disease
Jill P Smith1, Heather Stock, Sandra Bingaman
1Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) shows promise for treating active Crohn's disease. This opioid antagonist significantly reduced disease activity and improved quality of life in a pilot study.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endogenous opioids and antagonists influence tissue repair.
- Opioid antagonists are being investigated for their role in healing processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in patients with active Crohn's disease.
- To assess the impact of LDN on disease activity and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, pilot prospective trial involving 17 patients with active Crohn's disease.
- Patients received 4.5 mg of naltrexone daily for 12 weeks.
- Disease activity (CDAI) and quality of life (IBDQ, SF-36) were assessed throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores (P=0.01) with LDN therapy.
- High response (89%) and remission (67%) rates observed.
- Improvements in quality of life scores and no significant laboratory abnormalities noted.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) appears to be an effective and safe treatment for active Crohn's disease.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of LDN.
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