Long-term outcome of Crohn's disease following corticosteroid-induced remission

INTRODUCTION: Corticosteroids are the gold standard in the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease but are often associated with severe and potentially dangerous side effects. Despite an initial clinical response many patients become steroid dependent or require further steroid courses in the long term. The aim of the present study was to assess the probability of the need for further steroid treatment in Crohn's disease patients following steroid-induced remission and to establish if clinical variables can predict further steroid needs. PATIENTS AND All METHODS: patients at their first steroid course and with corticosteroid-induced remission, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI)