Controversies in rheumatoid arthritis glucocorticoid therapy

Abstract

Despite therapeutic innovations in the past 20 years, glucocorticoids (GC) are still widely used for the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have demonstrated the clinical and structural efficacy of moderate doses (i.e. 30–60 mg/d) GC in addition to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) initiation in early RA. A combination of a low dose of GC (i.e. 7.5–10 mg/d) and DMARDs increases remission rates and decreases the risk of medium-term structural progression in early RA. Intravenous and intramuscular administration of GC associated with DMARD initiation or intra-articular GC injections in symptomatic joints in tight control strategies increase remission rates in early RA. However, due to the risk of adverse events such as infections, cardiovascular events, or increased mortality induced by long-term use of GC, even at low-doses (e.g. 5 mg/d), GC should be prescribed at a minimal dose, for the shortest possible duration, and in association with DMARD initiation in early RA or DMARD change in active established RA.