title: Long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy: patients' representations, prescribers' perceptions, and treatment adherence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Glucocorticoids have been used since 1948 for their anti-inflammatory and structural effects in various inflammatory diseases. The optimal use of glucocorticoids remains controversial. Patients may have a number of concerns about the effects of glucocorticoids. Many factors can adversely affect treatment adherence.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the main adverse effects reported by patients and physicians, and to assess representations associated with glucocorticoid therapy and the underlying disease, via measurements of treatment adherence, with the goal of optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient information.
  
  
  METHODS
  From December 2011 to May 2012, we conducted two surveys in 125 patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy and followed-up at the rheumatology department of the teaching hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, and in 85 hospital physicians in various specialties, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean glucocorticoid therapy duration was 6 years, mean maximal prescribed dosage was 44.87 mg/d, and 50.4% of the patients had inflammatory joint disease. Adverse neuropsychiatric effects were reported by 70 out of 125 (56%) patients. Weight gain was the adverse effect deemed most bothersome by the physicians, who significantly underestimated the occurrence of neuropsychiatric adverse effects (27% vs 56%, P=0.034). Adherence was poor in 80 out of 125 (64%) patients, and 22 out of 125 (18%) patients reported episodes of treatment discontinuation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prescribers underestimate the frequency of neuropsychiatric adverse effects of long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Regular follow-up visits during treatment, with collection of systemic adverse effects might improve treatment adherence.
authors: Service de rhumatologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Ibn Rochd, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, Casablanca, Morocco. Electronic address: nassarkawtar@gmail.com.
authors: Kawtar
authors: K
authors: Nassar
authors: Service de rhumatologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Ibn Rochd, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, Casablanca, Morocco.
authors: Saadia
authors: S
authors: Janani
authors: Service de rhumatologie B, hôpital Cochin, université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Roux
authors: Service de rhumatologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Ibn Rochd, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, Casablanca, Morocco.
authors: Wafae
authors: W
authors: Rachidi
authors: Service de rhumatologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Ibn Rochd, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, Casablanca, Morocco.
authors: Noufissa
authors: N
authors: Etaouil
authors: Service de rhumatologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Ibn Rochd, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, Casablanca, Morocco.
authors: Ouafaa
authors: O
authors: Mkinsi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids
keywords: Adverse effects; Glucocorticoids; Inflammatory disease; Treatment adherence