Topical butyrate improves efficacy of 5-ASA in refractory distal ulcerative colitis: results of a multicentre trial

Background The treatment of distal ulcerative colitis, refractory to conventional 5-ASA/steroid treatment, is still a matter of debate. The present study aimed at confirming, with adequate statistical power, previous data indicating the usefulness of topical butyrate and 5-ASA in the treatment of this condition. Design Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. A total of 51 patients with distal (