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Mycophenolate mofetil therapy for refractory inflammatory bowel disease
S Palaniappan1, A C Ford, D Greer
1Department of Gastroenterology, Leeds General Infirmary, Lees, United Kingdom.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
|October 11, 2007
Summary
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) shows potential for refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While 24.3% achieved sustained remission, nearly half required further treatment due to lack of response or side effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunomodulatory drug with reported use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- This study extends previous research from the Leeds Colitis Clinic, offering a longer follow-up and a larger patient cohort.
- It specifically examines MMF's safety and efficacy in refractory Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- To assess MMF's effectiveness in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who have not responded to standard treatments.
- To extend previous findings with a longer follow-up and a larger patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient records over a 5-year period.
- Inclusion of patients treated with MMF for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Focus on patients with refractory Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Main Results:
- Out of 70 patients, 67 had prior unsuccessful azathioprine treatment.
- 17 patients (24.3%) achieved sustained steroid-free remission with MMF.
- 53 patients discontinued MMF: 17 due to side effects and 36 due to lack of efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may be a viable option for refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly after azathioprine failure.
- A significant proportion of patients (24.3%) achieved sustained remission.
- However, side effects and lack of efficacy led to discontinuation or need for further therapy in a substantial number of patients.
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