Four-week open-label trial of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin for the treatment of recurrent or refractory pouchitis

Abstract

Background: Preliminary data suggest that short-term antibiotic therapy with a single drug is effective for the treatment of patients with pouchitis. However, some patients are resistant to treatment. Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a prolonged course of a combination of two antibiotics in patients with refractory or recurrent pouchitis, as well as its impact on their quality of life. Methods: Patients with active refractory or recurrent pouchitis were recruited. This was defined as both: (i) a history of pouchitis at least twice in the last 12 months or persistent pouchitis requiring continual intake of antibiotics: and (ii) a Pouchitis Disease Activity Index score 3 7 (best to..