Long-term low dose glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis on cardiovascular effects
Pooled result · CV eventsResult — go to the resultPooled hazard ratio 1.37 95% CI 1.03–1.81Authors' conclusion
Current evidence suggests that while short-term low-dose GC therapy may be relatively safe in selected RA patients, prolonged use and higher cumulative doses are associated with a slight increased CV risk, particularly in individuals with existing risk factors or comorbidities.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)10 studies
- Comparison
- Long-term low-dose GC therapy in RA
- Outcome
- Cardiovascular (CV) events (pooled HR)
Methodological detailsPubMed search, 2010 to 15 March 2026, two independent reviewers, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool
- PubMed search, 2010 to 15 March 2026
- Two independent reviewers
- Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool
Pooled result
CV events
Pooled hazard ratio
1.37
95% CI 1.03–1.81
P = 0.01
Long-term GC exposure even to low doses
pooled HR 1.37 (95% CI 1.03–1.81); P = 0.01
As reported in the abstract
Original publication
Long-term low dose glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis on cardiovascular effects. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 31 March 2026. doi:10.
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