Developments in glucocorticoid therapy.
Recent evidence for a disease-modifying potential of low-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has renewed the debate on the risk benefit ratio with this therapy. Two recent developments are described that might have a positive influence on these risk benefit ratios. One is the improvement in new GC compounds--designer GCs, alterations in bioactivity, and alterations in formulations. The other is a better understanding and management of the toxicity of GCs.
Bijlsma
Johannes W J
JW
Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.w.j.bijlsma@azu.nl
Saag
Kenneth G
KG
Buttgereit
Frank
F
da Silva
José A P
JA
D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D015198:Designer Drugs; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid