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The placebo effect. Is it important in diverticular disease?
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1977
Summary
Methylcellulose (Celevac) significantly improved symptoms in patients with diverticular disease compared to placebo. Most clinical improvement occurred when patients took methylcellulose, indicating its efficacy for diverticular disease management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diverticular disease is a common condition affecting the colon.
- Effective management strategies for diverticular disease symptoms are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of methylcellulose (Celevac) in managing symptoms of diverticular disease.
- To compare methylcellulose treatment against a placebo in a double-blind trial.
Main Methods:
- A three-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 30 patients with confirmed diverticular disease.
- Patients received either methylcellulose (Celevac) or placebo tablets daily.
- A crossover design was employed for nine patients.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving methylcellulose showed greater mean clinical improvement than those on placebo.
- A small mean improvement was observed in patients completing the trial on placebo, suggesting a placebo effect.
- In the crossover group, most improvement was noted during the methylcellulose treatment period.
Conclusions:
- Methylcellulose (Celevac) demonstrates clinical efficacy in improving symptoms associated with diverticular disease.
- The findings support the use of methylcellulose as a treatment option for diverticular disease.