[Prescription of glucocorticoids by rheumatologists in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Germany].

Systemic GCs are among the most important therapeutic options in modern rheumatology. Due to their fast clinical effects and their high anti-inflammatory potential, they are indispensable in a large number of cases. This applies despite the well-known spectrum of adverse events and despite limited evidence from randomized clinical trials. In this situation, the results of observational studies gain additional importance. They provide information on therapeutic decisions of rheumatologists concerning GC therapy and their combination with other drugs as well as concerning the prevention of adverse events such as GC induced osteoporosis. The data gathered in the national database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centers show that at the time of documentation 60% of all RA patients were under therapy with GCs, 85% of these were treated with a dosage of up to 7.5 mg/d. GCs are especially frequently used in combination with new or highly potent DMARDs. This underlines that rheumatologists take activity and severity into account in deciding both about GCs and DMARDs. However, there is high practice variation regarding the frequency of GC use among the rheumatological facilities which demonstrates the lack of good evidence.Rheumatologists are aware of various patient risks when prescribing GCs and adapt their therapies to these risks. Two thirds of all patients under GCs were receiving therapy for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis at documentation, high risk groups such as women over 50 even more frequently. The data emphasize the high importance of GCs in modern rheumatology.