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Efficacy of Topical Metronidazole (10 Percent) in the Treatment of Anorectal Crohn’s Disease

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  • Published:
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of 10 percent topical metronidazole in the treatment of symptomatic anorectal Crohn’s disease.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic anorectal Crohn’s disease were studied in a prospective, nonblinded, nonrandomized study to evaluate the efficacy of topical 10 percent metronidazole. Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index and each component (pain, discharge, induration, sexual dysfunction, and type of pathology) were recorded before treatment and at four weeks. Visual analog pain score (0–10) was recorded before treatment and at weekly intervals for up to four weeks.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were studied prospectively for four weeks. Mean Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index decreased from 8.8 ± 0.9 before treatment to 4.1 ± 0.7 after four weeks’ treatment (P < 0.0001). Visual analog pain scores decreased from 5.4 ± 0.7 before treatment to 2.4 ± 0.5 at one week (P < 0.001) and to 1.0 ± 0.4 after four weeks’ treatment (P < 0.0001). Of the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index components, significant decreases were noted in pain and discharge (P < 0.0001) and induration (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

For patients with perianal Crohn’s disease, topical 10 percent metronidazole decreases the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index and anorectal pain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Georgia Colon and Rectal Surgical Clinic, Atlanta, Georgia

    Edward E. Stringer M.D., Thomas J. Nicholson M.D. & David Armstrong M.D., F.R.C.S.

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  1. Edward E. Stringer M.D.
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  2. Thomas J. Nicholson M.D.
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  3. David Armstrong M.D., F.R.C.S.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Armstrong M.D., F.R.C.S..

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Stringer, E., Nicholson, T. & Armstrong, D. Efficacy of Topical Metronidazole (10 Percent) in the Treatment of Anorectal Crohn’s Disease. Dis Colon Rectum 48, 970–974 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-004-0873-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-004-0873-8

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