Individual patient data meta-analysis on continued use of glucocorticoids after their initiation as bridging therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors' conclusion
Based on these RA clinical trial arms with an initial GC bridging schedule, the probability of subsequent ongoing GC use following bridging is low.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical trial arms that included a glucocorticoids (GC) bridging schedule in the initial treatment step
- Participants
- 1,653 patients7 clinical trial arms
- Outcome
- GC use (yes/no) at predefined time points, cumulative GC dose and continuous (≥3 months) GC use after bridging had ended
- Follow-up
- 1/3/6/12/18 months after bridging had ended
Methodological detailsGC bridging schedule, univariable analyses
- GC bridging schedule
- Univariable analyses
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Probability of GC use after bridging ended
Probability of GC use 1 month after bridging ended
0.18
Probability of GC use from 6 until 18 months after bridging ended
0.07
Probability of continuous GC use after bridging, 1 year of follow-up
0.18
Probability of continuous GC use after bridging, 2 years of follow-up
0.30
Further pooled results
Oral GC bridging studies only
- Probabilities of later and continuous GC use and cumulative GC doses higher than in combined analyses including parenteral GC bridging studies
Factors associated with GC use · 18 months after bridging had ended
- Higher initial dose and longer GC bridging schedule associated with higher cumulative GC doses and more patients on GC
Original publication
Individual patient data meta-analysis on continued use of glucocorticoids after their initiation as bridging therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 16 December 2022. doi:10.
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