Lack of radiological and clinical benefit over two years of low dose prednisolone for rheumatoid arthritis: results of a randomised controlled trial

摘要: Background: Evidence for disease modifying activity of low dose corticosteroid treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is contradictory. Studies showing radiological benefit suggest that continued required to sustain the effect. Objective: To evaluate effect oral prednisolone early on over two years. Design: Double blind placebo controlled trial. Methods: Patients with arthritis, duration Results: 90 257 patients eligible study refused participate (more women than men). Of those enrolled, 84% were seropositive factor, median age 56 years, 12 months, female male ratio 1.8:1. Prednisolone was given 84 patients; these 73% and 70% sulphasalazine at 2 83 placebo, 80% 64% There no significant differences score or clinical laboratory measures 0 Conclusions: Low conferred maintained a DMARD corticosteroids have role routine management treated conventional drugs.