Choosing the right timing of GC administration alongwith administration frequency and
patient specific factors can be effective in RA patients.
The understanding on the current role of systemic glucocorticoids (GC) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management by examining their importance and the current level of evidence in recent guidelines have been explained in this study analysis. The open questions to be addressed in future guidelines and research projects have also been recognised.
The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were used to
explore the systematic literature review for the guidelines on the
pharmacological treatment of RA. The AGREE II tool was used to evaluate the
relevant articles according to their quality and inspected for all relevant
information regarding the use of GC.
All guidelines concur that GC, especially if given at low
dosages and for a short duration, are an suitable option in RA treatment. But,
many recommendations remain indistinct as reliable and detailed evidence is
limited. The significant elements of the GC therapy are partially or completely
neglected, and the current nomenclature is not used consistently. Generally,
quality estimation displayed flaws in many articles, regarding not only GC
specific recommendations but also guideline quality.
It was culminated that the current recommendations for the
use of GC in the RA management are not satisfactory. Careful evaluation of
dosages, timing and duration of their use is required. The existing
nomenclature on glucocorticoid therapy should be used consistently.
Arthritis Care & Research
The “official view” on glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis. A systematic review of international guidelines and consensus statements
Yannick Palmowski et al.
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