|
|||||
|
|
Controlled trial of antituberculous chemotherapy in Crohn's disease: a five year follow up study |
|
| Authors: | G Thomas G Swift J Green R Newcombe C Braniff-Mathews J Rhodes S Wilkinson G Strohmeyer and G Kreuzpainter |
| Institution: | Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. |
| Abstract: | Background—It has been suggested thatMycobacterium paratuberculosis is the cause of Crohn'sdisease. In a previous report the immediate effect of two yearstreatment with antituberculous chemotherapy showed no clinical benefit. Aims—To assess both the immediate and longer termeffect of treatment on the disease. Methods—Patients were followed for five yearsfrom their date of entry to the study. One hundred and thirty patientsentered the initial study, and of these 111 (81%) were followed regularly. Results—Overall, there was no evidence ofconsistent benefit or disadvantage from antituberculous chemotherapy inany of the assessments made, including the number of acute relapses,surgical episodes, hospital admissions, disease activity, blood tests, or medication required for Crohn's disease during the follow up period. Conclusion—The absence of any benefit at the endof the initial two year trial period, and during the three yearsubsequent follow up, fails to support the hypothesis that mycobacteriaplay an important part in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, or that antituberculous chemotherapy may be of benefit. Keywords:Crohn's disease; mycobacteria; antituberculuschemotherapy |
| Keywords: | Crohn''s disease mycobacteria antituberculus chemotherapy |