Su1081 A Novel Method to Investigate Local Concentrations of Mesalamine in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Healthy Volunteers

Background: Recent observatory studies suggest that non-adherence to 5-ASA therapy during remission is a main factor for relapse in ulcerative colitis (UC) (1). Patient education may improve adherence. We investigated demographic and clinical parameters associated with non-adherence and influence of patient education on 5-ASA adherence in a randomized, prospective clinical trial. Methods: 247 patients with inactive or mildly active UC (CAI 60 yrs: 30.2%; 13/43). High levels of non-adherence were associated with short duration of disease (2-5 yrs: 55.9%; 57/102 vs. 5-10 yrs: 52.2%; 35/67, 10-15 yrs: 51.2%; 21/41 and >15 yrs: 44.7%; 17/38). A trend for a relationship between non-adherence and low education levels was seen (low education (only basic school): 63.8%, 30/47 vs. higher education levels (trade school): 41.8 %, 28/67 and "Abitur"/university: 58%, 65/ 112). Conclusion: Although >25% of the population were not in remission throughout the study no relationship between disease activity and adherence was seen. Non adherence was associated with younger age, short duration of disease and lower education levels. While a structured intervention using a patient education program failed to improve adherence in this particular group, efforts should be maximized to motivate this high-risk population for adherence. Lit :(1) Khan et al., Aliment Pharmacol Therap 2012