Use of corticosteroids for remission induction therapy in patients with new-onset ulcerative colitis in real-world settings

Background: Corticosteroids may be temporarily effective for ulcerative colitis (UC), but long-term use increases the risk of adverse drug reactions. Objective: The goal of the study was to examine steroid use in remission induction therapy after diagnosis of UC. Study Design: A retrospective observational study using the Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) Claims Database from January 2008 to December 2014. Setting: Clinics, university hospitals, and national/public hospitals. Intervention: Initiation of steroids after diagnosis of UC. Main outcome measures: Start time and annual rate of steroid use, and use during the first 6 months of remission induction therapy. Results: The subjects were 399 patients were newly diagnosed with UC in the study period. The rate of steroid use after diagnosis was 58.4% in 2009, and showed a significant decreasing trend yearly after 2010 (p ≤ 0.0001). Regarding the start time, 52.2% of patients began steroids within 60 days after diagnosis of UC. At 6 months after initiation, 23.7% continued to use steroids and 73.9% of these patients used high-dose steroids. Conclusion: In treatment of UC after diagnosis, many patients continue to use steroids for >6 months after initiation. Reduced use of steroids based on clinical practice guidelines for UC should be promoted.