title: Corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Benefits and limitations.
abstract: Oral corticosteroids, despite their potential side effects, have a select role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. For articular disease, these drugs must be targeted to short-term goals, such as symptom relief. Close attention to the indications and potential hazards of steroid therapy may ensure optimal benefit and reduced risk. Intra-articular steroid injections can provide local symptomatic relief when only one or a few joints are swollen. Septic arthritis is most important to exclude before injection of a joint. Complications of intra-articular injection are few, and relief may be long-lasting.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Moeser
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones