Findings indicate that self-reported adherers to UC therapy have a stronger preference for clinical benefits over other treatment attributes, suggesting that positive patient assessment of effectiveness may influence adherence. Ongoing clinician assessment of patient preferences for treatment attributes, as well as education on the importance of adherence, may help improve treatment outcomes in UC.

This report supports findings of other population-based studies of western countries indicating that DD is an increasing burden on health service resources, particularly in younger age groups.

Background and Aims:This study assessed the efficacy of maintenance treatment with multimatrix mesalazine following achievement of complete or partial remission after induction treatment with high-dose multimatrix mesalazine.Methods:In this phase 3b/4, open-label, multicentre, prospective, single-arm study, patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis were treated with multimatrix mesalazine 4.8g/day once daily for 8 weeks [induction phase]. At Week 8, those who achieved complete or partial remission, based on predefined clinical and endoscopic criteria, were eligible to receive 12 months of multimatrix mesalazine 2.4g/day once daily maintenance therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in complete remission at Month 12.Results:A total of 717 patients received induction treatment; 25.9% and 39.3% of patients achieved complete and partial remission, respectively, at Week 8. A total of 461 patients entered the maintenance phase. The likelihood of remaining in/achieving complete remission at Month 12 was higher for patients who entered the maintenance phase in complete remission compared with those who began maintenance in partial remission [47.8% vs 26.0%; p < 0.001]. At Month 12, mucosal healing [endoscopy score ≤ 1] was demonstrated in 76.4% [139/182] and 63.5% [176/277] of those who were in complete and partial remission, respectively, at the end of induction.Conclusion:Patients achieving complete remission before dose reduction were more likely to remain in remission at Month 12.

In total, 4805/50,319 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria (female with chronic constipation). Of the laxative users (1575/4805), 57% (n = 896) were satisfied with their treatment, while 26% were neutral, and 17% dissatisfied. Dissatisfied respondents visited their GP less frequently in the past 12 months, were more likely to obtain over-the-counter laxatives, and took a dose higher than recommended more frequently than those satisfied. Respondents were most satisfied with ease of use of treatment and least satisfied with relief from bloating. Newer treatments aimed at alleviating symptoms, particularly bloating, are required for respondents neutral or dissatisfied with their current treatment.

MMX mesalamine 2.4 g/day QD is effective for maintaining quiescence in patients with UC. Furthermore, adherence to prescribed treatment yielded lower rates of clinical recurrence. Continued education regarding the importance of long-term 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy is warranted.