Revisiting the question of the safety of glucocorticoids use of in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the effectiveness of which is beyond doubt. The review considers current literature data on the safety of GCs use, as well as the most common adverse events associated with such therapy. Most authors point to an increased risk of complications with an increase in the daily dose and/or duration of GCs treatment. At the same time, a safe dose of GCs has not been determined. Probably, the optimal tactic is the selection of an individual dose of GCs in each individual case, taking into account the activity of RA and the spectrum of comorbid conditions. In this case, the minimum effective doses and short courses of GCs should be used, regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters should be carried out in order to detect adverse events early.

Keywords

• glucocorticoids
• rheumatoid arthritis
• methylprednisolone
• pregnancy
• complications
• adverse events
• osteoporosis
• mortality