Steroid use in Crohn's disease.

The incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease are increasing, particularly in the Western world and Asia. Corticosteroids have been used for decades to treat active Crohn's disease and remain the mainstay in the management of moderate-to-severe relapses in Crohn's disease. The use of corticosteroids, despite their efficacy, may be associated with several drawbacks. This review article provides a comprehensive account of the role of corticosteroids in inducing remission in adult patients with Crohn's disease, including aspects such as approaches to corticosteroid sparing and to minimize the risk of corticosteroid dependency, as well as the role of newer corticosteroids such as budesonide in reducing systemic adverse effects.