BACKGROUND: and aims: Administration of @entity2391 may represent a rational approach to the treatment of @entity31 through its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of IFN-beta-1a. METHODS: @entity1 (n=18) with moderately active @entity31 were randomised to receive IFN-beta-1a or placebo. IFN-beta-1a was started at a dose of 22 micro g three times a week subcutaneously, and the dose was increased at two week intervals to 44 micro g and then to 88 micro g if no response was observed. The maximum duration of treatment was eight weeks. End points were clinical treatment response, defined as a decrease of at least 3 points from baseline in the @entity31 scoring system (UCSS) symptoms score and induction of endoscopically confirmed remission. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and disease severity were similar in both groups. Data from 17 @entity1 are included in this report (10 @entity1 in the IFN-beta-1a group and seven @entity1 in the placebo group). Clinical response was achieved in five @entity1 (50%) in the IFN-beta-1a group and in one (14%) in the placebo group (P=0.14). Remission was achieved in three @entity1 in the IFN-beta-1a group and in none in the placebo group (p=0.02). Most adverse reactions associated with IFN-beta-1a were @entity683 -like symptoms or injection site reactions, and were mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: IFN-beta-1a may represent a promising novel treatment approach in @entity31 .

Interferon beta-1a in XXXX : a placebo controlled, randomised, dose escalating study.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients'] @entity683 :: ('MESH:D007251', 'Disease') :: ['influenza'] @entity31 :: ('MESH:D003093', 'Disease') :: ['ulcerative colitis'] @entity2391 :: ('3456', 'Gene') :: ['interferon (IFN)-beta']
@entity31 :: (MESH:D003093,Disease) :: ['ulcerative colitis']
