Balsalazide plus high-potency probiotic preparation (VSL[sharp]3) in the treatment of acute mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon.

Balsalazide is a 5-amino salicylic acid prodrug well-tolerated and effective in treating acute ulcerative colitis. VSL[sharp]3, a high-potency probiotic mixture, has proved to be effective in preventing flare-ups of chronic pouchitis and in obtaining remission of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Recent studies found the association of low-dose balsalazide/VLS no. 3 effective in treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and in preventing the recurrence of uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon. In this paper, the framework for using this association to treat ulcerative colitis or to prevent the recurrence of colonic diverticulitis is reviewed, and 2 studies on this therapeutic approach are briefly summarized.