Glucocorticoid treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
Internistische und Rheumatologische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Gladbeck, Germany. gundi.krause@t-online.de
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Braun
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography
D005938:Glucocorticoids