Since the introduction of biologic therapy and immunomodulator drugs, the use of corticosteroids has declined, according to an analysis of an inflammatory bowel disease database. A total of 2,823 patients who were newly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis were included in the analysis. Researchers found:

• Exposure and cumulative use of corticosteroids were measured in 1991-1998, 1999-2005, and 2006-2011.
• Over time, there was a gradual drop in steroid use among patients with Crohn’s disease, declining from 366 days in 1991-1998 to 120 days in 2006-2011.
• Steroid use in ulcerative colitis patients dropped from 184 days in 1991-1998 to 166 days in 1999-2005 but stabilized after that.
• Researchers concluded that such declines in corticosteroid use justifies increased used of biologics and immunomodulator drugs.