A Retrospective Analysis of Corticosteroid Utilization Before Initiation of Biologic DMARDs Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United States.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:Understanding the effects of corticosteroid utilization prior to initiation of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can inform decision-makers on the appropriate use of these medications. This study examined treatment patterns and associated burden of corticosteroid utilization before initiation of biologic DMARDs among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult RA patients in the US MarketScan Database (2011-2015). The following patterns of corticosteroid utilization were analyzed: whether corticosteroids were used; duration of use (short/long duration defined as < or ≥ 3 months); and dosage (low as < 2.5, medium as 2.5 to < 7.5 and high as ≥ 7.5 mg/day). Effects of corticosteroid use on time to biologic DMAR

SUBMITTER: Spivey CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5935609 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature