Systematic literature review of observational cohorts and clinical trials into the success rate of glucocorticoid discontinuation after their use as bridging therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The success rate of GC discontinuation after bridging as part of initial treatment of RA has been described in a limited number of studies. Reports on observational cohorts did not answer the research question. In clinical trials, protocolised discontinuation was mostly successful, although 22% of the patients who started GC bridging therapy still or again used GC at 12 months, and 10% at 24 months.