Single high-dose intramuscular injection versus short-term low-dose oral glucocorticoids as bridging therapy in active rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study on remission induction.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Despite recommendations for short-term use, prolonged administration of low-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) remains common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), raising concerns about associated adverse effects. Compound betamethasone injection, a long-acting GC with rapid and sustained effects, may offer a single-administration alternative. This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate its bridging efficacy and safety versus conventional oral regimen.

Methods

We retrospectively included 250 patients with active RA who received either a single intramuscular injection of compound betamethasone or oral prednisone, with a 24-month follow-up. Disease remission rate at the 3-month follow-up served as the primary outcome, assessed for non-inferiority (margin, - 20%). Secondary ou

SUBMITTER: Ren H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858619 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature