Tapering steroids by fourth week benefits ulcerative colitis patients: Study
JAPAN: Reducing steroid use in ulcerative colitis patients at week 4 may eventually lead to a complete end to treatment, states a study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Although the etiology of Ulcerative Colitis is unknown, the pathophysiology of UC has been widely investigated and involves host genetic factors, immune system dysregulation, and environmental factors. For ulcerative colitis, a variety of therapeutic approaches are available, including 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs), corticosteroids, thiopurine, calcineurin inhibitors, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- antibody, Janus kinase inhibitor, anti-a4b7 integrin antibody, and anti-IL-12/23 antibody. Yet, 5-ASA and corticosteroids continue to be the cornerstone drugs for treating those with active ulcerative colitis.
The authors analyzed steroid treatment trends and the impact of the initial dose, length of usage, and tapering schedule on clinical efficacy in ulcerative colitis patients.
The researchers looked at 191 ulcerative colitis patients who had steroid therapy between 2006 and 2020. The researchers evaluated clinical determinants for clinical remission at week 4 and termination of corticosteroid within 12 weeks, as well as the differences in clinical remission rates in individuals with various baseline steroid treatment doses.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.