Steroids Blog

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy joint tissue. The hands and feet are generally affected, and as the disease progresses it can cause pain, swelling, deformity and disability.

People suffering from the rheumatoid arthritis were given steroid treatment, which can inhibit joint damage, if used in the early stage of rheumatoid arthritis. They showed significant development and showed fast relief in pain. The steroids used in the treatment are glucocorticoids and it also includes the well-known anti-inflammatory prednisone.

From BIO-MEDICINE:

Low doses of steroids can inhibit joint damage when used in the early phase of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new review of evidence.

The steroids studied in the review are known as glucocorticoids and include the well-known anti-inflammatory prednisone. This medication is often prescribed in the first few months after diagnosis to relieve the discomfort of RA until slower-acting drugs begin protecting the joints.

The research was conducted by the scientists, which included 15 studies including 1,414 patients. Low doses of glucocorticoid pills along with disease-modifying drugs were given for one or two years. There was a good sign of healing and the joint was no longer getting ruptured as seen by periodic X-rays. Quality evidence supports medication of combining the pills with standard medications in the first two years after diagnosis.

The report as showed by the sources concludes that if people are put on the lowest possible dose of steroids patients can get relief from the symptoms as soon as possible. This also showed that glucocorticoid pills are really effective in treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis.