The Effect of Low-Dose Glucocorticoids Over Two Years on Weight and Blood Pressure in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Individual Patient Data From Five Randomized Trials
Pooled result · Change in body weightResult — go to the resultDifference 1.1 kg 95% CI 0.4–1.8Authors' conclusion
This study provides robust evidence that low-dose glucocorticoids, received over 2 years for the treatment of RA, increase weight by about 1 kg but do not increase blood pressure.
Study context
- Population
- Early and established rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 12 countries in Europe (mean age 61.4 years; 68% women)
- Participants
- 1,112 participants5 RCTs
- Comparison
- Low-dose GC vs control treatment
- Outcome
- Co-primary: difference in change from baseline in body weight and mean arterial pressure
- Follow-up
- 2 years
Methodological details2-year interventions, concomitant DMARD allowed, intention-to-treat
- 2-year interventions
- Concomitant DMARD allowed
- Intention-to-treat
Pooled result
Change in body weight
Difference
1.1 kg
95% CI 0.4–1.8
P < 0.001
Glucocorticoidsvs Control
difference 1.1 kg (95% CI 0.4–1.8); P < 0.001
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Between-group difference (mm Hg) (CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-primary: change in mean arterial pressure · 2 yearsIntention-to-treat · consistent in sensitivity and subgroup analyses | −0.4 (−3.0 to 2.2) | P = 0.187 | |
| −4−2024Difference, mm Hg (linear scale) |
- Co-primary: change in mean arterial pressure — Mean arterial pressure increased by about 2 mm Hg in both groups
- 2
Change in number of antihypertensive drugs · 2 years
- Most patients did not change the number of antihypertensive drugs; no evidence of differences between groups
Original publication
The Effect of Low-Dose Glucocorticoids Over Two Years on Weight and Blood Pressure in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Individual Patient Data From Five Randomized Trials. Ann Intern Med. Published 15 August 2023. doi:10.
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