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Pofi R, Caratti G, Ray DW, Tomlinson JW. Treating the Side Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoids; Can We Separate the Good From the Bad? Endocr Rev 2023; 44:975-1011. [PMID: 37253115 PMCID: PMC10638606 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the population are currently prescribed systemic or topical glucocorticoid treatment. The potent anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids to deliver therapeutic benefit is not in doubt. However, the side effects associated with their use, including central weight gain, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and osteoporosis, often collectively termed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, are associated with a significant health and economic burden. The precise cellular mechanisms underpinning the differential action of glucocorticoids to drive the desirable and undesirable effects are still not completely understood. Faced with the unmet clinical need to limit glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects alongside ensuring the preservation of anti-inflammatory actions, several strategies have been pursued. The coprescription of existing licensed drugs to treat incident adverse effects can be effective, but data examining the prevention of adverse effects are limited. Novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators have been designed that aim to specifically and selectively activate anti-inflammatory responses based upon their interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy. More recently, strategies exploiting tissue-specific glucocorticoid metabolism through the isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has shown early potential, although data from clinical trials are limited. The aim of any treatment is to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and within this review we define the adverse effect profile associated with glucocorticoid use and evaluate current and developing strategies that aim to limit side effects but preserve desirable therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Giorgio Caratti
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - David W Ray
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Kavli Centre for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37LE, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
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Barbulescu A, Sjölander A, Delcoigne B, Askling J, Frisell T. Glucocorticoid exposure and the risk of serious infections in rheumatoid arthritis: a marginal structural model application. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3391-3399. [PMID: 36821426 PMCID: PMC10547528 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Observational studies have reported an increased risk of infections associated with glucocorticoids in RA, not supported by evidence from randomized controlled trials. Inappropriately accommodating time-varying exposure and confounding in observational studies might explain the conflicting results. Therefore, we compared the incidence of serious infections between different oral glucocorticoid dose patterns over three years in a prospective inception cohort, adjusting for time-varying confounders in marginal structural models. METHODS We included 9654 newly diagnosed RA patients from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register between 2007-2018 and followed them for three years after the first rheumatology visit. Follow-up was divided into 90-day periods. A mean oral prednisone daily dose was calculated for each period and categorized into 'no use', 'low' (≤10 mg/day) and 'high' (>10 mg/day) doses. The incidence of serious infections (hospitalization for infection) over follow-up periods was modelled by pooled logistic regression allowing separate effects for recent and past exposure. RESULTS An increased incidence of serious infections was associated with higher compared with lower doses and with more recent compared with past glucocorticoid exposure. Over 3 years of follow-up, the marginal structural models predicted one additional serious infection for every 83 individuals treated with low GC doses for the first 6 months, and for every 125 individuals treated with high GC doses for the first 3 months, compared with no GC use. CONCLUSION Our results broadly agree with previous observational studies showing a dose dependent increased risk of infection associated with (recent) use of oral glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Barbulescu
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arvid Sjölander
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bénédicte Delcoigne
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Askling
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Rheumatology, Theme Inflammation and Ageing, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Buttgereit F, Kvien TK. Controversies in rheumatology: maintenance therapy with low-dose glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:35-41. [PMID: 35713511 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the use of glucocorticoids in clinical medicine, the risk-benefit ratio of these still very important drugs has been debated. There is no doubt that they produce many desirable therapeutic effects quickly and reliably. However, their potential to cause adverse effects, especially with prolonged use in high doses, limits their applicability. We discuss the arguments against and in favour of maintenance therapy with low-dose glucocorticoids in patients with RA, and present recent studies, assessments and conclusions on this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tore K Kvien
- Division of Rheumatology and Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Luís M, Boers M, Saag K, Buttgereit F, da Silva JAP. The safety of glucocorticoids in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic disease: new evidence. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2022; 34:179-186. [PMID: 35238807 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Glucocorticoids justifiably remain a cornerstone in the treatment of many inflammatory rheumatic diseases but many are opposed to their use because of the side effects, most of them known to be dose-dependent. Most concerns regarding glucocorticoids stem from observational studies which are affected by several forms of bias, mainly confounding by indication, that may result in overestimation of harm. Solid evidence regarding the safety of low-dose glucocorticoids remains remarkably scarce. RECENT FINDINGS Several observational studies showed heterogeneous results and two 6-month trials showed no increase of harm. The GLORIA trial of 5 mg/day prednisolone vs. placebo in patients aged 65+ is the first randomized control trial with glucocorticoids safety as coprimary outcome. The benefits of glucocorticoids in terms of symptoms and structural damage were confirmed, but the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event of special interest (serious or glucocorticoids-related) was increased by 24%, mostly due to nonsevere infections. SUMMARY Based on current evidence the benefit-risk balance of low-dose glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis, and probably in other rheumatic diseases is generally favourable. Physicians should be aware of the risks and mitigate them, but avoid the negative effects of unfounded fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Luís
- Rheumatology Department, Centra Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maarten Boers
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ken Saag
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - José A P da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Centra Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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How to taper glucocorticoids in inflammatory rheumatic diseases? A narrative review of novel evidence in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and giant cell arteritis. Joint Bone Spine 2021; 89:105285. [PMID: 34601110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) remain regularly used drugs in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. As long-term intake at high dosages is associated with harm, it is generally advised that GCs be tapered and stopped. However, most recommendations concerning tapering have been eminence- or consensus-based. In this narrative review, we present novel data from recent studies (SEMIRA, CORTICOLUP, and GiACTA) shedding light from different angles on the effects of tapering GCs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and giant cell arteritis (GCA). In RA and SLE, our main findings comprise that (a) the majority of RA and SLE patients can successfully taper their GC, but that (b) tapering increases the risk of flare. In GCA, tocilizumab was shown to be a potent GC-sparing agent. Finally, we also present exemplary tapering schemes for RA, SLE, and GCA, although different tapering regimens have not yet been sufficiently compared in randomized trials.
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Roubille C, Coffy A, Rincheval N, Dougados M, Flipo RM, Daurès JP, Combe B. Ten-year analysis of the risk of severe outcomes related to low-dose glucocorticoids in early rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3738-3746. [PMID: 33320245 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the 10-year tolerability profile of glucocorticoids (GC) use in patients with early RA. METHODS Analysis of 10-year outcome from the early arthritis ESPOIR cohort. Patients were stratified in two groups, without or with GC treatment at least once during their follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of deaths, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), severe infections and fractures. The weighted Cox time-dependent analysis model was used with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity score method. RESULTS Among the 608 patients [480 women, mean age of 47.5 (12.1) years], 397 (65%) received low-dose GC [median 1.9 mg/day (IQR 0.6-4.2), mean cumulative prednisone dose 8468 mg (8376), mean duration 44.6 months (40.1)]. In univariate analysis, over 95 total events (10 deaths, 18 CVDs, 32 fractures and 35 severe infections), patients taking GC experienced more events (n = 71) than those without GC (n = 24) (P =0.035). Highest cumulative exposure of GC (≥8.4 g) was associated with highest risk of occurrence of the primary outcome (24.3%, P =0.007), CVDs (7.9%, P =0.001) and severe infections (9.9%, P =0.024). The risk of events over time was significantly associated with GC, age, hypertension and ESR. The risk associated with GC treatment increased between the first follow-up visit [hazard ratio (HR) at 1 year = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.90] and 10 years (HR = 6.83, 95% CI: 2.29, 20.35). CONCLUSION The 10-year analysis of this prospective early RA cohort supports a dose and time-dependent impact of low-dose GC treatment, with a long-term high risk of severe outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03666091).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Roubille
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France.,PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Coffy
- Statistiques, University Institute of Clinical Research EA2415 and Clinique Beausoleil, Montpellier cedex, France
| | - Nathalie Rincheval
- Statistiques, University Institute of Clinical Research EA2415 and Clinique Beausoleil, Montpellier cedex, France.,Rheumatology Department, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Maxime Dougados
- Medicine Faculty and Rheumatology B Department, Paris-Descartes University, UPRES-EA 4058; APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - René-Marc Flipo
- Department of Rheumatology, Roger Salengro Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Daurès
- Statistiques, University Institute of Clinical Research EA2415 and Clinique Beausoleil, Montpellier cedex, France
| | - Bernard Combe
- Rheumatology Department, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
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Palmowski A, Buttgereit F. Reducing the Toxicity of Long-Term Glucocorticoid Treatment in Large Vessel Vasculitis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:85. [PMID: 33047263 PMCID: PMC7550368 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose While glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), they may cause serious adverse events (AEs), especially if taken for longer durations and at higher doses. Unfortunately, patients suffering from LVV often need long-term treatment with GCs; therefore, toxicity needs to be expected and countered. Recent Findings GCs remain the mainstay of therapy for both giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. In order to minimize their toxicity, the following strategies should be considered: GC tapering, administration of conventional synthetic (e.g., methotrexate) or biologic (e.g., tocilizumab) GC-sparing agents, as well as monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment of GC-related AEs. Several drugs are currently under investigation to expand the armamentarium for the treatment of LVV. Summary GC treatment in LVV is effective but associated with toxicity. Strategies to minimize this toxicity should be applied when treating patients suffering from LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriko Palmowski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Views on glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatology: the age of convergence. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:239-246. [PMID: 32076129 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-0370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
After decades of sometimes fierce debate about the advantages and disadvantages of glucocorticoids, an age of convergence has been reached. Current recommendations for the management of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyalgia rheumatica and large vessel vasculitis reflect the current consensus that as much glucocorticoid as necessary, but as little as possible, should be used. Over the past few years, a range of glucocorticoid-sparing strategies have been developed, as have tools to improve the management of this therapy. A comprehensive view of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis has also emerged that recognizes that bone fragility is not solely determined by the dose and duration of glucocorticoid treatment. Nevertheless, open questions remain around whether long-term use of very low doses of glucocorticoids is a realistic option for patients with RA and whether the search for innovative glucocorticoids or glucocorticoid receptor ligands with improved benefit-to-risk ratios will ultimately be successful.
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Luís M, Freitas J, Costa F, Buttgereit F, Boers M, Jap DS, Santiago T. An updated review of glucocorticoid-related adverse events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:581-590. [PMID: 31056959 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1615052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glucocorticoids represent a cornerstone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Their effect as a disease-modifying treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is well established. Despite this, the risk of adverse events of glucocorticoids, especially in high doses and over a long time, is constantly highlighted. Data on the prevalence and impact of glucocorticoid-related adverse effects in rheumatoid arthritis is needed, therefore, to be regularly revisited. AREAS COVERED In this review, our primary aim was to provide an update of evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies on the safety of glucocorticoid treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Our secondary aim was to provide a critical overview of the concerns raised with both study designs - randomized clinical trials versus nonrandomized observational studies - regarding the assessment of the safety of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis. EXPERT OPINION In the meantime, adherence to recommendations and consensus on standardized methodologies for monitoring and reporting adverse events is essential to improve our knowledge and competence in the best management of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Luís
- a Rheumatology Department , Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - João Freitas
- a Rheumatology Department , Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Flávio Costa
- a Rheumatology Department , Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- b Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Charité University Medicine , Berlin , Germany
| | - Maarten Boers
- c Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center , Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Da Silva Jap
- a Rheumatology Department , Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.,d Faculty of Medicine , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.,e Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Tânia Santiago
- a Rheumatology Department , Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.,d Faculty of Medicine , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
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Alten R, Mischkewitz M. New concepts to reduce glucocorticoid toxicity. Joint Bone Spine 2018; 86:715-723. [PMID: 30528678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
70 years after their first use, low-dose glucocorticoids are a common part of pharmacological rheumatoid arthritis treatment. This is due to their well-proven capacities in symptom severity and disease activity reduction, in particular when combined with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, such as methotrexate. Nevertheless, glucocorticoid administration, in long-term especially, is also seen critically because of its potential adverse conditions. In order to achieve a reduction in treatment-related adverse events, modern therapy regimes should take into consideration patients' risk factors and therefore be individual. The Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index is a method to measure side effects of glucocorticoid therapy objectively and will be central in future studies comparing different therapy regimes. Such a new therapy regime is modified-release prednisone, which - thanks to a different time of liberation - seems to capable of reducing morning stiffness much more effectively than conventional prednisone, whilst showing similar properties in disease activity reduction and safety. Still, confirmation of these first data in further trials will be necessary. Eventually, other innovative concepts are liposomal glucocorticoids, dissociated agonists of glucocorticoid receptors and intramuscular application of glucocorticoids. Though these approaches appear to be promising, additional research will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieke Alten
- Schlosspark-Klinik Charité University Medicine Berlin, Heubnerweg, 2, 14059 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Max Mischkewitz
- Schlosspark-Klinik Charité University Medicine Berlin, Heubnerweg, 2, 14059 Berlin, Germany
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Controversies in rheumatoid arthritis glucocorticoid therapy. Joint Bone Spine 2018; 85:417-422. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Spivey CA, Griffith J, Kaplan C, Postlethwaite A, Ganguli A, Wang J. A Retrospective Analysis of Corticosteroid Utilization Before Initiation of Biologic DMARDs Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United States. Rheumatol Ther 2017; 5:255-270. [PMID: 29204858 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-017-0089-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding the effects of corticosteroid utilization prior to initiation of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can inform decision-makers on the appropriate use of these medications. This study examined treatment patterns and associated burden of corticosteroid utilization before initiation of biologic DMARDs among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult RA patients in the US MarketScan Database (2011-2015). The following patterns of corticosteroid utilization were analyzed: whether corticosteroids were used; duration of use (short/long duration defined as < or ≥ 3 months); and dosage (low as < 2.5, medium as 2.5 to < 7.5 and high as ≥ 7.5 mg/day). Effects of corticosteroid use on time to biologic DMARD initiation were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Likelihood and number of adverse events were examined using logistic and negative binomial regression models. Generalized linear models were used to examine healthcare costs. Independent variables in all models included patient demographics and health characteristics. RESULTS A total of 25,542 patients were included (40.84% used corticosteroids). Lower hazard of biologic DMARD initiation was associated with corticosteroid use (hazard ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval = 0.83-0.96), long duration and lower dose. Corticosteroid users compared to non-users had higher incidence rates of various adverse events including cardiovascular events (P < 0.05). Higher likelihood of adverse events was associated with corticosteroid use and long duration of use, as was increased number of adverse events. Corticosteroid users had a greater annualized mean number of physician visits, hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visits than non-users in adjusted analysis. Corticosteroid users compared to non-users had higher mean costs for total healthcare, physician visits, hospitalizations, and ED visits. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with RA, corticosteroid utilization is associated with delayed initiation of biologic DMARDS and higher burden of adverse events and healthcare utilization/costs before the initiation of biologic DMARDs. FUNDING AbbVie Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Spivey
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jenny Griffith
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, AbbVie, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cameron Kaplan
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Arnold Postlethwaite
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Arijit Ganguli
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, AbbVie, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Junling Wang
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Roubille C, Rincheval N, Dougados M, Flipo RM, Daurès JP, Combe B. Seven-year tolerability profile of glucocorticoids use in early rheumatoid arthritis: data from the ESPOIR cohort. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1797-1802. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the 7-year tolerability profile of glucocorticoids (GC) for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe examined data for 602 patients with RA from the early arthritis Etude et Suivi des POlyarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes (ESPOIR) cohort (<6 months disease duration) stratified into two groups: with or without GC treatment at least once during follow-up (median 7 years (IQR 0.038–7.65)). The main outcome was a composite of death, cardiovascular disease (including myocardial ischaemia, cerebrovascular accident and heart failure), severe infection and fracture.ResultsAmong the 602 patients with RA (476 women (79%), mean age 48±12 years), 386 with GC (64.1%) received low-dose prednisone (mean 3.1±2.9 mg/day for the entire follow-up): 263 started GC during the first 6 months (68%), and the mean duration of total GC treatment was 1057±876 days. As compared with patients without GC (216 (35.9%)), those with GC showed greater use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and had more active disease disability, higher C reactive protein and anticitrullinated protein antibody levels. Among 65 events (7 deaths, 14 cardiovascular diseases, 19 severe infections and 25 fractures), 44 and 21 occurred in patients with and without GC (p=0.520). Infections were more frequent, although not significantly, in patients with than without GC (p=0.09). On weighted Cox proportional-hazards analysis, with use of propensity score and inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting, and including age, gender, history of hypertension and GC treatment, outcomes did not differ with and without GC (p=0.520; HR=0.889; 95% CI 0.620 to 1.273).ConclusionsThis 7-year analysis of the ESPOIR cohort supports the good safety profile of very low-dose GC for early active RA.
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Beltrametti SP, Ianniello A, Ricci C. Chronotherapy with low-dose modified-release prednisone for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a review. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2016; 12:1763-1776. [PMID: 27920546 PMCID: PMC5123661 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s112685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a debilitating, life-threatening disease. One major concern is morning symptoms (MS), as they considerably impair the patients’ quality of life and ability to work. MS change in a circadian fashion, resembling the fluctuations of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, whose levels are higher in RA patients compared to healthy donors. Conversely, serum levels of the potent anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid cortisol are similar to that of healthy subjects, suggesting an imbalance that sustains a pro-inflammatory state. From a therapeutic point of view, administering synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) to RA patients represents an optimal strategy to provide for the inadequate levels of cortisol. Indeed, due to their high efficacy in RA, GCs remain a cornerstone more than 60 years after their first introduction, and despite the development of a wide range of targeted agents. However, to improve safety, low-dose GCs have been introduced, that have demonstrated high efficacy in reducing disease activity, radiological progression, and improving patients’ signs and symptoms especially in early RA when added to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. A further improvement has been provided by the development of modified-release prednisone, which, by taking advantage of the circadian fluctuations of inflammatory cytokines, cortisol and MS, is given at bedtime to be released approximately 4 hours later. Several studies have already demonstrated the efficacy of this agent on disease activity, MS, and quality of life in the setting of established RA. Moreover, preliminary studies have shown that this new formulation not only has no impact on the adrenal function, but likely improves it. This review is a comprehensive, updated summary of the current evidence on the use of GCs in RA, with focus on the efficacy and safety of low-dose prednisone and modified-release prednisone, the latter representing a rational, cost-effective, and tailored approach to maximize the benefit/risk ratio in RA patients.
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Ferreira JF, Ahmed Mohamed AA, Emery P. Glucocorticoids and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2016; 42:33-46, vii. [PMID: 26611549 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) were discovered in the 1940s and were administered for the first time to patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 1948. However, side effects were subsequently reported. In the last 7 decades, the mechanisms of action for both therapeutic properties and side effects have been elucidated. Mechanisms for minimizing side effects were also developed. GCs are the most frequently used class of drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because of their efficacy in relieving symptoms and their low cost. A review of clinical applications, side effects, and drug interactions is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Fonseca Ferreira
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Paul Emery
- Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK.
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