[Systemic corticosteroid therapy in rheumatology, advantages and risks].
Apart from the therapy of autoimmune diseases, corticosteroids have an important position in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are used after the failure of non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents or of the basis therapies to control the illness. When the rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by a systemic disease, they will be used earlier and in higher dosages. For polymyalgia rheumatica, independently of an association with temporal arteritis, corticosteroids are the therapy of choice. Risks of long-time corticosteroid therapy are a higher incidence of infection and bone demineralisation, especially in postmenopausal women. A careful prevention with Calcium and Vitamin D must be carried out systematically. The demineralisation can be limited by the use of Deflazacort, a corticosteroid, which decreases the loss of calcium.
Gerster
J C
JC
Service de Rhumatologie, Médecine Physique et Réhabilitation, CHUV, Lausanne.
So
A K
AK
Burckhardt
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013256:Steroids
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids