Continuous infusion versus bolus administration of steroids in severe attacks of ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blind trial.

Background: In patients with severe attacks of ulcerative colitis (UC), IV steroids represent the first-line treatment, leading to clinical improvement in approximately 50-60% of patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the efficacy and safety of different modalities of steroid administration, and to evaluate predictors of failure to therapy.

Materials And Methods: In a single-center, double-blind trial, consecutive patients with a severe attack of UC received 1 mg/kg/day of 6-methyl-prednisolone administered randomly by either a bolus injection (group A) or continuous infusion (group B).

Peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in patients with hepatitis C virus and decompensated cirrhosis: a controlled study.

Background/aim: To evaluate long-term outcomes in decompensated HCV-related cirrhotic patients treated with antiviral therapy.

Methods: Of 129 eligible patients, 66 received peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin for 24 weeks, and 63 were controls. Survival and recurrence of liver failure events after therapy were main outcomes.