Predictors of steroid dependence and resistance in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: detection of steroid dependence and steroid resistance predictors in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).PATIENTS AND METHODS: a retrospective study was conducted. The medical documentation of 1105 patients, who underwent inpatient treatment in Ryzhikh National Medical Research Center of Coloproctology from 2018 to 2021, were analyzed. 69% of patients (n=762) received systemic steroid therapy for UC. In accordance with inclusion and non-inclusion criteria, the medical documentation of 170 patients was selected for statistical analysis. Depending on the steroid status of patients, three groups were identified: group 1 (n=56) with steroid dependence, group 2 (n=56) with steroid resistance and group 3 - control (n=58), who were prescribed systemic GCS without the further development of steroid dependence and resistance.RESULTS: the incidence of steroid dependence was 23.4% (n=259), and steroid resistance was 15.2% (n=168). We identified the following predictors and risk factors of steroid dependence: age of the disease onset <30 y.o. (AOR=0,960, 95%CI= 0,928-0,993, p=0,019), start dose of prednisolone <60 mg (AOR=2,369, 95%ДИ= 1,030-5,441, p=0,042), prescription of systemic GCS ≥2 courses per year (AOR=2,988, 95%ДИ= 1,349-6,619, p=0,007), Mayo Index Score <10 (AOR=0,631, 95%ДИ=0,492-0,809, p<0,001). The risk of steroid resistance statistically significant when Mayo Index Score ≥10 (AOR=2,573, 95%ДИ=1,094-6,050, p=0,030), albumin level <37,1 g/l (AOR=4,571, 95%ДИ=1,567-13,330, p=0,005), CRP ≥47,1 mg/l (AOR=2,641, 95%ДИ=1,102-6,328, p=0,029).CONCLUSION: it is rational to predict an individual response to GCS in patients with UC. With a high risk of developing steroid dependence and steroid resistance, it is advisable to consider early appointment of biological and target therapy, avoiding represcription of GCS.