Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Steroids are highly effective in active Crohn's disease; clinical relapse following steroid withdrawal, however, is frequent. We used two steroid regimens of different duration in order to compare their efficacy in inducing and maintaining clinical remission. METHODS: Seventy patients with active Crohn's disease were treated with methylprednisolone 40 mg/day i.m. for 3 weeks and then with two different regimens of tapering dosage: one for a further 4 weeks and another for a further 12 weeks. RESULTS:
Steroid therapy induced remission within 3 weeks in 91% of the whole group of patients; at the end of each protocol remission rates were 85% of patients in the group treated for the shorter period and 87% of those treated for the longer period (difference 2%, CI = -14 to 18, P = NS); remission rates within 6 months after stopping steroids were 53% and 37% respectively (difference 16%, CI = -9 to 41, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found between the two regimens. Multiple courses of steroid treatment in the previous 3 years and a short time interval following previous steroid treatment seem to be risk factors for relapse.
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Authors | C Brignola, G De Simone, C Belloli, P Iannone, A Belluzzi, P Gionchetti, M Campieri, L Barbara |
Journal | Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
(Aliment Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 8
Issue 4
Pg. 465-8
(Aug 1994)
ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England |
PMID | 7986973
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Crohn Disease
(drug therapy)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Life Tables
- Methylprednisolone
(administration & dosage)
- Remission Induction
- Risk Factors
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