Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Hospitalized for Flares Are at Risk for Chronic Steroid Use Due to Lack of Clear Instructions at Discharge: A 15-Month Retrospective Study at a Private, Not-For-Profit Academic Hospital

Abstract

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are hospitalized with an IBD flare can be managed acutely with short-term (4-6 weeks) high dose glucocorticoid taper. Corticosteroid use beyond 3-4 months can cause serious and significant side effects. Thus, it is imperative for patients to be discharged with a prednisone tapering plan and steroid-sparing treatment strategy. This quality assessment project examines the rate at which IBD patients remain on high dose steroids 3 months after hospital discharge.