Amount of Systemic Steroid Medication Is a Strong Predictor for the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

More than 50% of a large group of German IBD patients had used CAM. Prolonged or intensive steroid treatment, an academic education, active ways of coping, and a health-conscious life-style are associated with CAM use. Given the potential side effects and interactions, the treating physician should focus on thorough information about the benefits and limitations of conventional and complementary treatment options, especially for IBD patients who have received prolonged or intensive steroid treatment.