Rediscovering the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review will focus on new information obtained on how to apply glucocorticoids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, aiming at an optimal risk-benefit ratio. Moreover, advances in the development of new preparations such as liposomal glucocorticoids will be discussed.

Recent findings: In early rheumatoid arthritis, treatment regimens with a disease-modifying drug and initially medium-dose glucocorticoids (>7.5 but ≤30 mg prednisone equivalent) are noninferior compared with regimens with disease-modifying drugs and initially high-dose glucocorticoids (>30 mg prednisone equivalent) and have repeatedly been proven to be more effective than methotrexate monotherapy. Use of glucocorticoids following such a scheme during a period of 6 months to 2 years was not associated with increased mortality, nor with substantial bone loss if bone protective measures had been taken. New drug delivery systems, and in particular long-circulating liposomes, aiming at enhancing the biodistribution and the target site accumulation of glucocorticoids and thereby improving the balance between their efficacy and toxicity, are promising; more results on the effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients are expected to be reported during the years to come.

Summary: Combination therapy including methotrexate and glucocorticoids should be the initial treatment in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment regimens including medium-dose glucocorticoids are noninferior compared with regimens with initially high-dose glucocorticoids. Studies on new glucocorticoid preparations and new drug delivery systems improving the balance between efficacy and toxicity of glucocorticoid therapy are ongoing.