INFO - The Use and Abuse of Steroids in Rheumatology

[Guest guest]

This was excellent and confirms that I am in no danger on the dose that I am

taking.

Thnaks so much! Polly

[Guest guest]

Arthritis Research Campaign

2004

" The use and Abuse of Steroids in Rheumatology " :

Excerpt:

Oral steroids are often used in rheumatoid arthritis for patients refractory

to other treatments and in the elderly, in whom they may be better tolerated

than NSAIDs. There has been debate as to whether steroids should be

introduced early in the course of the disease. Although some patients

benefit symptomatically from the addition of low-dose oral prednisolone to

second-line drug therapy, this improvement is not sustained beyond 6 to 9

months. A significant rebound flare in disease activity as the dose is

tapered may prevent steroid withdrawal, resulting in concerns about

long-term toxicity. Kirwan (1995) has reported that the addition of low-dose

prednisolone (7.5mg daily) to standard treatment in early, active rheumatoid

arthritis slows radiological development and progression of erosions.

However, we do not know if the potential benefits are maintained beyond the

treatment period, nor if they are outweighed by long-term side effects. At

present, there is insufficient evidence to warrant widespread prescription

of steroids in early disease; further studies are awaited.

http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/med_reports/series3/pp/6338/6338.htm

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org