Low-dose glucocorticoids should be withdrawn or continued in systemic lupus erythematosus? A systematic review and meta-analysis on risk of flare and damage accrual.

GC discontinuation leads to a slightly increased risk of flare, however, no increase in major flare and a borderline reduction of risk in further damage in SLE patients. Baseline screening for candidate patients and long-term follow-up after GC withdrawal are needed to reliably evaluate the organ damage increase.