Evaluation of Topical 10% Metronidazole Ointment for the Treatment of Active Perianal Crohn's Disease

The purpose of this study is to compare changes in Perianal Crohn's Disease following use of locally applied 10% metronidazole ointment and a placebo.

Anorectal Crohn's disease is one of the most problematic and debilitating conditions encountered in colorectal practise. The condition is usually chronic, debilitating, and frequently refractory to current medications. Failure to respond to medical therapy may ultimately result in proctocolectomy and ileostomy, even in the absence of more proximal colonic disease. Isolated anorectal Crohn's disease is reported in 3 to 5% of Crohn's patients. In Crohn's patients as a whole, anorectal involvement is reported in up to one third to one half of patients, in addition to either colonic or enteric Crohn's disease. In spite of the previously reported painless nature of anorectal Crohn's disease, it is the author's experience that the condition can be inordinately painful due to deeply eroding fissures, oedematous skin tags, and painful induration of the perianal region.