How Safe Are Low-Dose Steroids in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

In a retrospective study, relatively low cumulative doses were associated with adverse events.

Oral glucocorticoids (OGC) are prescribed frequently for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Guidelines advocate the lowest possible amount for the shortest time, but dosing recommendations remain nebulous, and many patients use OGC for prolonged periods. In this observational study of U.S. claims data from 84,000 RA patients, researchers examined the relation between cumulative OGC dose during a 1-year baseline period and risk for potential OGC-related adverse events (AEs) and associated healthcare costs during the subsequent year.

In all, 48% of patients used OGC, and 26% experienced potentially OGC-related AEs. Compared with no steroid exposure, a cumulative OGC dose >1800 mg (average daily prednisone-equivalent dose, 10 mg) was asso…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

How Safe Are Low-Dose Steroids in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Reviewing Author