Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · May 2014
ReviewWhen and for how long should glucocorticoids be used in rheumatoid arthritis? International guidelines and recommendations.
Glucocorticoids are widely used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, their effectiveness and safety is still a subject of debate. In particular, when to introduce glucocorticoids, but also when and how to taper them, are important questions for clinicians. ⋯ The recommendations cover the introduction of glucocorticoids (and for whom they are recommended), doses and duration of treatment, and tapering strategies. Items still on the research agenda include more data on safety, particularly for long-term use, and small doses of glucocorticoids.