Sebastian S, et al. - The present analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of budesonide in the treatment of microscopic colitis (MC), encompassing lymphocytic and collagenous colitis, a common cause for chronic non-bloody diarrhoea. The inclusion criteria for analysis were met by 9 studies. Data reported that the pooled odds ratios for a response to budesonide therapy at induction and maintenance were 7.34 and 8.35 respectively. Histological response rates in patients treated with budesonide were superior to placebo following treatment with induction and maintenance. Significant relapse rates (>50%) were observed after cessation of treatment with no noticeable difference between the patients treated with budesonide or placebo. According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, budesonide is an effective treatment option for MC in order to achieve clinical and histological response induction and maintenance. High rates of relapse were observed on cessation of treatment. No difference was found in adverse events.