Mesalazine in childhood inflammatory bowel disease

A study was undertaken in paediatric patients suffering from ulcerative, Crohn's or indeterminate colitis. This aimed to compare the occurrence and tolerance of side-effects arising during treatment with position-release mesalazine (Asacol) with those occurring during previous treatment with sulphasalazine (Salazopyrin). The drugs were used to maintain remission from colitis. The occurrence of adverse reactions was also monitored. Sixty-seven children were assessed for a period of 6 months; 45 of these children received mesalazine after previous treatment with sulphasalazine. The results show that the majority of patients were maintained in remission with either drug, but they reported a preference for position-release mesalazine with respect to ease and frequency of administration when compared to sulphasalazine. No serious adverse reactions arose during mesalazine treatment, compared with three such events during previous sulphasalazine treatment.