A prospective randomized observer-blind 2-year trial of azathioprine monotherapy versus azathioprine and olsalazine for the maintenance of remission of steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis.

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether the coadministration of azathioprine (AZA) and olsalazine is superior to AZA monotherapy in maintaining remission of steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Patients with steroid-dependent UC in remission were randomized to receive AZA alone (2.2 mg/kg) or in combination with olsalazine (0.

Budesonide versus mesalamine for maintaining remission in patients refusing other immunomodulators for steroid-dependent Crohn's disease.

Background & Aims: To compare the efficacy of controlled-release budesonide capsules with that of mesalamine for maintaining remission and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with steroid-dependent Crohn's disease.

Methods: Fifty-seven patients (25 men; mean age, 32 +/- 10.1 yr) with quiescent steroid-dependent Crohn's ileitis, ileocolitis, or colitis (Crohn's disease activity index <150) entered a prospective, investigator-blind trial.