Glucocorticoid purchases and methotrexate persistence in early rheumatoid arthritis in Finland
Authors' conclusion
In early RA, the use of oral GCs is common and continues longer than recommended by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). Persistence with treatment with MTX, bDMARDs, and JAKis in patients who continued medication was not influenced by the initial GC regimen.
Study context
- Population
- Monitored patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Finland who obtained reimbursement for RA medication during 2016–2020monitored patients with early RA
- Participants
- 3,046 patients
- Comparison
- Groups according to the number of GC tablet purchases during 6 months after the reimbursement day
- Outcome
- GC purchases
- Follow-up
- Initial 6 months
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Monitored early RA patients who purchased glucocorticoids (GCs) during the initial 6 months
68%
Purchased GCs during 6-11 months after the reimbursement date
43%
Further findings
| Outcome | Group 0 | Group 2 | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| bDMARD purchasers · After the first yearGroup 2 vs Group 0 · higher in Group 2 | 6.8% | 11% | P = 0.03 |
| MTX users · After the first yearGroup 2 vs Group 0 · higher in Group 2 | 74% | 79% | P = 0.06 |
Methotrexate (MTX) purchase during the first year
- Patients who purchased MTX during the first year in all groups
- Over 90%
Baseline disease activity
- Patients in Group 2 had the highest baseline disease activity
Persistence with analysed anti-rheumatic medications · whole follow-up period
- Remained similar, with no statistically significant differences, in all groups
Original publication
Glucocorticoid purchases and methotrexate persistence in early rheumatoid arthritis in Finland. Scand J Rheumatol. Published 13 November 2026. doi:10.
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