Related Experiment Videos
Ketotifen therapy for acute ulcerative colitis in children: a pilot study
N L Jones1, C M Roifman, A M Griffiths
1Division of Gastroenterology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|April 16, 1998
Summary
Ketotifen showed limited benefit for active ulcerative colitis in children. Efficacy may be higher in patients with increased rectal eosinophils, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Eosinophils play a role in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Ketotifen has shown efficacy in experimental colitis and eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of ketotifen in treating active ulcerative colitis in children.
- To assess ketotifen's impact on disease severity, endoscopic findings, and histology.
Main Methods:
- Ten children with mild-moderate active ulcerative colitis received ketotifen (4 mg daily) for eight weeks.
- Efficacy was evaluated using physician disease severity index, endoscopic, and histologic examinations.
Main Results:
- Four patients showed symptom improvement, with one achieving complete resolution.
- Endoscopic improvement was observed in three patients, and histologic improvement in one.
- Increased rectal eosinophils at baseline were noted in two responders.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose ketotifen provides limited therapeutic advantage in active ulcerative colitis.
- Ketotifen's efficacy may be enhanced in patients with elevated colonic eosinophil counts.
- Further research with higher dosages is recommended for acute and maintenance therapy.