Balsalazide led to greater remission rates and tolerance than mesalamine in acute ulcerative colitis.

Patients 101 patients who were 18–80 years of age and had symptomatic (moderate or severe) grade 2 to 4 ulcerative colitis that extended >12 cm beyond the anal margin. Exclusion criteria were Crohn’s disease, idiopathic proctitis, noninflammatory bowel diseases, stool parasites, toxins, pathogens, use of steroids within the previous month, use of immunosuppressive agents in the previous 3 months, daily use of a rectal steroid to maintain remission, or use of mesalamine releasing compound releasing >1.2 g/day in the previous 14 days. Follow up was 98% (mean age 41 y, 63% men).