Budesonide for Induction of Remission in Incomplete Microscopic Colitis

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically established diagnosis of incomplete microscopic colitis (MCi) * History of chronic non-bloody, watery diarrhoea * Clinically active disease Exclusion Criteria: * Other significant abnormalities in colonoscopy * Infectious cause of diarrhoea * Clinical suspicion of drug-induced diarrhoea * Prior and present MC * History of bowel resection * Radiation therapy of the abdominal or pelvic region * Positive antibody titres for celiac disease * Untreated active thyroid dysfunction * Any severe concomitant cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, or psychiatric disorder reducing life expectancy * Abnormal hepatic function * Tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, glaucoma, cataract, or infection if careful medical monitoring is not ensured * History of colorectal cancer * History of cancer (other than colorectal) in the last 5 years * Therapy with immunomodulators/budesonide or other steroids/antibiotics/anti-diarrhoeal drugs * Current or intended pregnancy or breast-feeding * Doubt about the patient's cooperation, e.g. because of addiction to alcohol or drugs * Participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days, simultaneous participation in another clinical trial, or previous participation in this trial