[Glucocorticoids]

Abstract

The established evidence of the rapid effects, along with the growing recognition of their disease-modifying properties has led us to reconsider the potential of glucocorticoids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Given their acceptable safety profile, especially when used at low dosages, several glucocorticoid-based therapeutic approaches have been explored in order to optimize their clinical benefits, while limiting the adverse effects. Encouraging results on the clinical and sub-clinical effects of low dosages are going to lead to a shift in usual daily practice. Optimizing the use of key non-biologic drugs including glucocorticoids may prolong disease control, thereby delaying the need for costly biologic therapies.