Transdermal nicotine as maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis
Article Abstract:
Transdermal nicotine may not be effective in preventing relapses in people with ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. It occurs mostly in nonsmokers and smokers often report that their symptoms resolve when they smoke. Of 80 people in remission from ulcerative colitis, 40 began treatment with a nicotine patch and 40 received a placebo patch. Twenty-two patients in the nicotine group and 20 patients in the placebo group dropped out of the study when they relapsed. Relapse was determined by endoscopic exam and rectal biopsy. The relapse rate was similar in both groups and the severity of symptoms was the same. Twenty-one patients in the nicotine group and 14 in the placebo group experienced side effects, including nausea, lightheadedness and itching. Nicotine may be more effective in treating active disease than in preventing a relapse.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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The safety of transdermal nicotine as an aid to smoking cessation in patients with cardiac disease
Article Abstract:
Nicotine patches may be safe but of limited benefit for people with cardiovascular disease. Researchers evaluated the safety of transdermal nicotine therapy versus placebo among 584 mostly male veterans after a ten-week treatment period. Although the rate of heart complications including death did not differ significantly between the treatment group and the controls, abstinence remained only a temporary advantage for the smokers in the nicotine therapy group.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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Epidermal growth factor for ulcerative colitis
Article Abstract:
More research is needed to determine whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) can benefit patients with ulcerative colitis. A study published in 2003 found that a daily enema containing EGF might be beneficial. However, EGF can also stimulate the formation of cancer. Another drug called mesalamine has been shown to be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the colon that can cause ulcers to form.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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