Factors associated with corticosteroid use in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients in Israel: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background: We examined corticosteroid use among Israeli patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), focusing on demographic, disease-related, and psychosocial factors. The objective was to contribute to the development of strategies minimizing corticosteroid dependence and improving patient outcomes, given the adverse effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid use. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on data collected from adult IBD patients attending six gastroenterological outpatient clinics in Israel. The data collected encompassed disease characteristics, demographic information, service level characteristics, social data, and steroid use. Statistical analyses were performed to associate these variables with steroid use. Results: Out of 402 patients, 26 % had been treated with corticosteroids in the previous year, with a majority of these having only one treatment course. Of patients treated with steroids, 57% (n-44) met steroid dependent/excess criteria. Steroid use was more common in patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to those with Crohn's disease. Factors such as a diagnosis of UC, male gender, elevated C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin, and decreased albumin and hemoglobin were associated with steroid use. Conclusion: Corticosteroid use among Israeli IBD patients was associated with disease-related factors and some demographic characteristics. The results highlight the need for continued research to inform strategies aimed at reducing corticosteroid dependence in managing IBD, thereby improving patient outcomes.