Therapy with the opioid antagonist naltrexone promotes mucosal healing in active Crohn's disease: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endogenous opioid peptides have been shown to play a role in the development and/or perpetuation of inflammation. We hypothesize that the endogenous opioid system is involved in inflammatory bowel disease, and antagonism of the opioid-opioid receptor will lead to reversal of inflammation.

Aims

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to test the efficacy and safety of an opioid antagonist for 12 weeks in adults with active Crohn's disease.

Methods

Forty subjects with active Crohn's disease were enrolled in the study. Randomized patients received daily oral administration of 4.5-mg naltrexone or placebo. Providers and patients were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects in each arm with a 70-

SUBMITTER: Smith JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3381945 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature