Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Corticosteroids are a well-established treatment for active Crohn's disease and have been widely used for decades. It has become apparent, however, that a proportion of patients either fails to respond to corticosteroids or is unable to withdraw from them without relapsing. Furthermore, their use is associated with a range of side effects, such that long-term treatment carries unacceptable risk. AIM: METHODS: RESULTS: When used correctly, corticosteroids are a highly effective, well tolerated, cheap and generally safe treatment for active Crohn' disease. Nevertheless, approximately 50% of recipients will either fail to respond ( steroid-resistant) or will be steroid dependent at 1 year. Newer alternatives to corticosteroids are not, however, without risk themselves and, moreover, are not necessarily available universally. CONCLUSIONS:
Steroids are used widely to treat Crohn's disease, a situation that is unlikely to change in the near future. Accordingly, efforts should be made to ensure that they are used correctly and that their side effects are minimized. Reference is made to recently published guidelines and a simplified 'users guide' is presented.
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Authors | P M Irving, R B Gearry, M P Sparrow, P R Gibson |
Journal | Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
(Aliment Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 26
Issue 3
Pg. 313-29
(Aug 01 2007)
ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England |
PMID | 17635367
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Topics |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Crohn Disease
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Risk Factors
- Secondary Prevention
- Substance-Related Disorders
(etiology)
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