Low-dose prednisone therapy for patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis: clinical efficacy, disease-modifying properties, and side effects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

RESULTS:

In the first 6 months, the prednisone group showed more clinical improvement than the placebo group. This effect was not seen after 6 months except in grip strength and the 28-joint score for tenderness. Use of additional therapies was significantly less common in the prednisonegroup, particularly in the first 6 months. More than 65% of those who completed the study were not taking sulfasalazine. After month 6, radiologic scores showed significantly less progression in the prednisone group than in the placebo group. No clinically relevant adverse effects were observed, except for a higher incidence of osteoporotic fractures in the prednisone group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prednisone, 10 mg/d, provides clinical benefit, particularly in the first 6 months, and substantially inhibits progression of radiologic joint damage in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis and no previous treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Because of their limited disease-modifying effects, glucocorticoids should be combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoidarthritis.

Authors: van Everdingen, A. A. ;Jacobs, J. W. ;Siewertsz Van Reesema, D. R. ;Bijlsma, J. W. 

Title: Low-dose prednisone therapy for patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis: clinical efficacy, disease-modifying properties, and side effects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Year: 2002

Journal: Ann Intern Med

Volume: 136

Issue: 1

Pages: 1-12

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