European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CLINICAL AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF INTRA ARTICULAR STEROIDS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Vidya S. and Dr. P. S. Sairam*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Local steroids have always been considered a safer alternative to systemic steroids. But there are only few Indian studies regarding the metabolic effects of Intra articular steroids (IAS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aim & Objectives: To assess the metabolic effects of intra articular steroids in rheumatoid arthritis patients who had low disease activity but for persistent pain over few joints. Methodology: Intra-articular steroids were given to patients with rheumatoid arthritis with low disease activity and a few inflamed joints. Metabolic parameters, disease activity scores (DAS 28, CDAI) and pain score (VAS) were assessed before and after injections (at 2 days and 4 weeks). Results: There were significant increases in neutrophil count (p<0.001), serum total proteins and globulins (p<0.05), decreases in lymphocyte count (p<0.001), VAS score for pain (p<0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) at 2 days. There were significant decreases in CDAI, DAS 28 & VAS scores (p<0.001) & ESR(p<0.05) at 4 weeks. Conclusion: There were transient changes in metabolic parameters at 2 days which were not evident at 4 weeks. There was a significant decrease in disease activity and pain at 4 weeks.

Keywords: Intra articular steroids (IAS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA).