Reducing the Toxicity of Long-Term Glucocorticoid Treatment in Large Vessel Vasculitis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

While glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), they may cause serious adverse events (AEs), especially if taken for longer durations and at higher doses. Unfortunately, patients suffering from LVV often need long-term treatment with GCs; therefore, toxicity needs to be expected and countered.

Recent findings

GCs remain the mainstay of therapy for both giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. In order to minimize their toxicity, the following strategies should be considered: GC tapering, administration of conventional synthetic (e.g., methotrexate) or biologic (e.g., tocilizumab) GC-sparing agents, as well as monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment of GC-related AEs. Several drugs are currently under investigation to expand the armament

SUBMITTER: Palmowski A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7550368 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature