Benefits and risks of low-dose glucocorticoid treatment in the patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT: Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) have been employed extensively for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disorders. Their use is supported by extensive literature and their utility is reflected in their incorporation into current treatment guidelines for RA and other conditions. Nevertheless, there is still some concern regarding the long-term use of GCs because of their potential for clinically important adverse events, particularly with an extended duration of treatment and the use of high doses. This article systematically reviews the efficacy for radiological and clinical outcomes for low-dose GCs (defined as ≤10 mg/day prednisone equivalent) in the treatment of RA. Results reviewed indicated that low-dose GCs, usually administered in comb

SUBMITTER: Kavanaugh A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4165844 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature