Oral steroids in rheumatoid arthritis

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Because rheumatoid arthritis varies in presentation and in course, trials of therapeutic drugs are hard to perform and remission is hard to assess. Corticosteroids have been shown to have some value in treating this disease, but because of their side effects and impact on the immune system when given over a long period, they must be administered with caution. Dr Iannuzzi reviews clinical trials that have been done using a low dose of corticosteroid to slow progression of the disease, describes patients who may benefit from these agents, and provides guidelines on prescribing and withdrawing them.