Paediatric Rheumatology
Glucocorticoid treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis
D. Krause, R. Rau, J. Braun
CER4951
2011 Vol.29, N°5 ,Suppl.68
PI 0121, PF 0125
Paediatric Rheumatology
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PMID: 22018197 [PubMed]
Received: 28/07/2011
Accepted : 14/09/2011
In Press: 22/10/2011
Published: 22/10/2011
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been an invaluable tool in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for decades, with a focus mainly on symptom management. In addition, several studies in the last 15 years have shown that GCs are also disease-modifying in patients with RA – which implies that they inhibit radiographic progression. These effects seem to be especially important in the early course of disease. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning optimal therapeutic strategies with GCs, particularly regarding patient selection and optimal dosage schedules.