Budesonide led to a greater remission rate and fewer severe adverse events than did mesalamine in Crohn's disease.
Patients 182 patients (68% women) who were 18–74 years of age and had Crohn’s disease confined to the distal ileum, ileocaecal region, and ascending colon which was confirmed by colonoscopy, small bowel follow through, or barium enema in the previous 24 months. Exclusion criteria were Crohn’s disease in the rectum; septic complications; abscess; perforation; active fistulas; ileostomy; colostomy; resection of >100 cm of the ileum; need for immediate surgery; diabetes mellitus; active peptic ulcer disease; systemic infection; clinically significant renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease; pregnancy; lactation; or allergy to glucocorticoids or mesalamine.