Azathioprine is superior to budesonide in achieving and maintaining mucosal healing and histologic remission in steroid-dependent Crohn's disease.

Background: The effects of azathioprine (AZA) and budesonide (BUD) on mucosal healing and histologic remission of Crohn's disease (CD) are insufficiently studied. In this prospective study we evaluated the comparative effects of AZA and BUD on endoscopic and histologic activity in patients with steroid-dependent Crohn's ileocolitis or proximal colitis who had achieved clinical remission on conventional steroids.

Methods: Patients were randomized to AZA (2.

The long-term efficacy of azathioprine does not wane after four years of continuous treatment in patients with steroid-dependent luminal Crohn's disease.

Background: The long-term effectiveness of azathioprine, in Crohn's disease (CD) patients remains a matter of debate. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness and safety of azathioprine in patients treated continuously for less or more than 4 years.

Methods: Patients with steroid-dependent Crohn's disease in remission on azathioprine (2-2.

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.

Bone density patterns after normal and premature menopause.

Objectives: The investigation of the effect of time and type of menopause on bone mineral density (BMD) at different ages.

Methods: Five hundred and fourteen women, who had never received any hormonal substitution were studied in a cross-sectional design: 177 with normal (NMP), 210 with surgical (SUMP) and 127 with premature natural (EMP) menopause. Age at menopause was 49.