Receipt of glucocorticoid monotherapy among Medicare beneficiaries with rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) improves outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is a nationally endorsed quality measure. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of receiving glucocorticoids alone for the treatment of RA in a nationwide sample of Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

Among individuals ages ≥65 years with RA enrolled in the Part D prescription drug benefit in 2009, we compared those with ≥1 DMARD claim to those receiving glucocorticoid monotherapy, defined as no DMARD claim and an annual glucocorticoid supply of ≥180 days or an annual dose of ≥900 mg of prednisone or equivalent. We fit multivariable models to determine the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with glucocorticoid monotherapy.

Results

Of 8,12

SUBMITTER: Yazdany J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4459885 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature