Are glucocorticoids DMARDs?
Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are drugs used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to control the disease and to limit joint damage and improve long-term outcome. The last decade evidence has accumulated that suggests that low dosages of glucocorticoids are indeed able to control the disease and limit the destruction. This role is especially present in early disease and in combination with other drugs. The evidence is carefully evaluated and discussed. The ultimate conclusion is that indeed glucocorticoids are DMARDs and are especially useful in early RA.
Bijlsma
Johannes W J
JW
Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Box 85 500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.w.j.bijlsma@umcutrecht.nl
Hoes
Jos N
JN
Van Everdingen
Amalia A
AA
Verstappen
Suzan M M
SM
Jacobs
Johannes W G
JW
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids