ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background : Bovine colostrum is a rich source of nutrients, antibodies and growth factors.Aim : To examine the efficacy of colostrum enemas in the treatment of distal colitis using a randomized, double-blind, controlled protocol.Methods : Fourteen patients (eight female), with a mean age of 45 years (range, 16–75 years) and mild to moderately severe distal colitis (Powell-Tuck scoring system), received colostrum enema (100 mL of 10% solution) or placebo (albumin solution) b.d. for 4 weeks. Both groups also received mesalazine (1.6 g/day) or, if already taking it, had a dose increment of 1.6 g/day. Disease activity was documented at 0, 2 and 4 weeks.Results : After 4 weeks, the colostrum group showed a mean reduction in symptom score of − 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), − 5.4 to − 0.3), whereas the placebo group showed a mean response of + 0.5 (95% CI, − 2.4 to +3.4). The histological score improved in five of the eight patients in the colostrum group (mean response, − 0.9; 95% CI, − 1.69 to − 0.03), whereas the histological scores only improved in two of the six patients in the placebo group (mean response, 0.2; 95% CI, − 2.4 to +2.6).Conclusions : Bovine colostrum enema shows potential as a novel therapy for left-sided colitis with additional benefits over using mesalazine alone. Further studies appear to be warranted.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01354.x
