Changes in Long-Term Glucocorticoid Use Among Older Adults After New Diagnosis of Late-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We evaluated changes in long-term glucocorticoid (GC) use and factors associated with persistent GC use in older adults with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).

Methods

Using 20% Medicare data from 2008 to 2017, we identified adults ≥66 years with a new diagnosis of LORA, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use or at least two rheumatologist visits, and at least 12 months of follow-up data. Older adults were categorized as DMARD-exposed or DMARD-unexposed based on treatment during the 12 months after LORA diagnosis (index date). For each quarter after the index date, long-term GC use was defined as having oral GC prescriptions for at least 30 days with a dose >5 mg/day prednisone equivalent. We compared long-term GC use between quarter (Q)1 and Q4 and

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11877135 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature