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An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
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Time Trends in Glucocorticoid Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis During the Biologics Era: 1999-2018
Lisa P Crowson1, John M Davis2, Andrew C Hanson3
1University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO USA.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|May 12, 2023
Summary
More rheumatoid arthritis patients start glucocorticoids early in their disease now. Discontinuation rates for these steroids remain similar, even with biologic therapies available.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Pharmacotherapy
Background:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Understanding GC use trends is crucial during the biologic era of RA treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate time trends in GC initiation and discontinuation among RA patients.
- To compare GC usage patterns between early and later periods of the biologic era.
Main Methods:
- A population-based inception cohort of RA patients diagnosed between 1999-2018 was analyzed.
- Longitudinal follow-up included GC start/stop dates and dosages.
- Cumulative incidence and Cox models were used to assess trends and compare time periods.
Main Results:
- GC initiation within 6 months of RA diagnosis increased from 67% (1999-2008) to 71% (2009-2018).
- This represents a 29% increased hazard of GC initiation in the later period.
- GC discontinuation rates within 6 months were similar between the two periods (39.1% vs. 42.9%).
Conclusions:
- There is an increasing trend of early GC initiation in RA patients.
- GC discontinuation rates have not significantly changed despite advancements in RA treatment, including biologics.
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