Phosphatidylcholine Benefits Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

HEIDELBERG, GermanyWhen immunosuppressant drugs fail, insufficient alternatives force the use of long-term steroid treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis. Researchers at the University Hospital Heidelberg (PubMed.2007; 147.9:603-10) conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 patients with chronic steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis and high clinical and endoscopic disease. Phosphatidylcholine or cellulose placebo was administered four times daily for 12 weeks, with the objective to see whether steroid withdrawal is easier with a retarded-release of phosphatidylcholine or placebo.Results of the study showed the primary end point was achieved in 15 of 30 phosphatidylcholine recipients and in only three of 30 placebo recipients. When the patients discontinued steroid therapy, 80 percent of the phosphatidylcholine recipients and 10 percent of the placebo recipients did so without exacerbating the disease. Researchers concluded that phosphatidylcholine reduced steroid dependence more than placebo.