The investigators plan to develop a novel method of estimating 5-ASA levels in the rectum at a mucosal level using in vivo rectal dialysis technique towards the eventual goal of determining the optimal dosing of Asacol® that would provide therapeutic levels of 5-ASA in the left colon.
Asacol® is mesalazine in a pH-dependent tablet (Eudragit S) that remains intact until reaching the terminal ileum. The tablet dissolves at a pH 7 or greater, allowing mesalazine release in the terminal ileum and throughout the colon; hence, it would be anticipated that this form of 5-ASA will produce higher concentrations in the left colon in patients with active ulcerative colitis compared to other immediate release forms of 5-ASA. However, preliminary research using dynamic computer modeling and simulation predicted that patients with active ulcerative colitis (characterized by an increased stool frequency) treated with Asacol® and Lialda (another delayed release formulation) will achieve very low 5-ASA levels in the sigmoid colon and rectum. The model predicts that these 5-ASA preparations will be relatively ineffective in treating the left side of the colon in active ulcerative colitis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
2
Rectal dialysis done after 1 week on either 1200/2400 mg Asacol dose to test rectal mucosal 5-ASA levels
Rectal dialysis done after 1 week on either 1200/2400 mg Asacol dose to test rectal mucosal 5-ASA levels
Detection of 5-ASA
5-ASA to be measured using rectal dialysis technique in-vivo
Time frame: 2 weeks after starting Asacol
Change in Detected 5-ASA With Change in Ingested Asacol Dose
Comparison of 2-week and 5-week 5-ASA as measured thorugh rectal dialysis
Time frame: 5 weeks after starting study
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