[Cortisonoids in the therapy of rheumatic diseases]

Taking into consideration the special therapeutic problems in rheumatology a short survey oriented to practice on the treatment with cortisonoids is given. The pharmacology of these compounds is dealt with in short. Emphases of the description are general principles of treatment, indications and dosage in systemic and local treatment, side effects, problems of long-term treatment, application of ACTH, the cortisonoid withdrawal syndrome, prophylaxis of therapy complications and references to the reduction of the dose or to the withdrawal of the treatment with cortisonoids.