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An international panel of 45 IBD experts identified inconsistent corticosteroid tapering and maintenance as issues to trial validity and patient safety. 
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Using a Delphi process, the group developed consensus recommendations to harmonize corticosteroid management in moderate-to-severe IBD trials. 
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The panel advised at least two weeks of stable dosing before screening and initiation of tapering within two weeks of induction using a 5 mg/week prednisone-equivalent schedule. 
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Enteric- or colonic-release budesonide should not be tapered, and participants receiving intravenous steroids during screening should be excluded. 
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Short, fixed duration tapering regimens are preferred over open-ended approaches, with all corticosteroid use documented in protocols. 
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The required duration of steroid withdrawal for defining corticosteroid-free remission remains unresolved. 
 Source: United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2025
Global IBD trial experts agree on steroid standards
                                            Conexiant
                                        October 7, 2025