Lower Risk of Recurrence with a Higher Induction Dose of Mesalazine and Longer Duration of Treatment in Ulcerative Colitis: Results from the Dutch, Non-Interventional, IMPACT Study.

Background And Aims: The dose and duration of mesalazine treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) is a potentially important determinant of effectiveness, with evidence suggesting that continuing the induction dose for 6-12 months may improve outcomes; however, real-world data are lacking. We assessed mesalazine use in Dutch clinical practice, including how differences in dose and duration affected UC outcomes.

Methods: Adults with mild-to-moderate UC who received oral prolonged-release mesalazine de novo or had a dose escalation for an active episode were followed for 12 months in this non-interventional study (ClinicalTrials.

Effects of escitalopram prophylaxis during antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C in patients with a history of intravenous drug use and depression.

Objective: We aimed to identify those patients with hepatitis C virus who benefit most from prophylactic treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during antiviral therapy.

Method: We performed post hoc analyses on a prospective randomized controlled trial (n = 79) of escitalopram versus placebo during antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, conducted between August 2005 and June 2008. Our primary outcome measure was the association of baseline characteristics with the development of depression and/or depressive symptoms.

Long-term effects of treatment and response in patients with chronic hepatitis C on quality of life. An international, multicenter, randomized, controlled study.

Background: Hepatitis C decreases health related quality of life (HRQL) which is further diminished by antiviral therapy. HRQL improves after successful treatment. This trial explores the course of and factors associated with HRQL in patients given individualized or standard treatment based on early treatment response (Ditto-study).