Insights into Mesalazine Use in Clinical Practice of Young Gastroenterologists

Background: Mesalazine is among the medications most prescribed by gastroenterologists, with variable and controversial use in different settings. We aimed to explore the use of mesalazine in the clinical practice of young gastroenterologists. Methods: A web-based electronic survey was distributed to all participants of the National Meeting of the Italian Young Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Association. Results: A total of 101 participants took part in the survey, with a majority (54.4%) being aged >30 years, 63.4% of whom were trainees in academic hospitals, and 69.3% of whom were involved in the clinical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While both non-dedicated and IBD physicians generally agreed on the appropriate dose of mesalazine for mild ulcerative colitis (UC), significant differences were observed between the two groups for moderate-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Additionally, in IBD patients who were starting immuno-modulators and/or biologics, 80% of IBD-dedicated physicians continued to prescribe mesalazine, compared to 45.2% of non-dedicated physicians (p = 0.002). Indeed, 48.4% of non-dedicated IBD physicians did not acknowledge mesalazine for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. With regards to Crohn's disease, it is mainly used by 30.1% of IBD physicians for preventing postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease. Finally, 57.4% used mesalazine for symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, and 84.2% did not recommend its use for irritable bowel syndrome. Conclusions: This survey showed heterogeneous behaviors in the daily use of mesalazine, mainly in the management of IBD. Educational programs and novel studies are needed to clarify its use.