Parenteral glucocorticoid administration in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) is associated with significantly lower odds of persistent steroid use at 12 months compared to oral administration.
Rates of escalation to advanced therapies at one year do not significantly differ between parenteral and oral glucocorticoid users.
Most patients in early rheumatoid arthritis cohorts do not receive glucocorticoids initially; among those treated, oral administration is more common than parenteral.
Use of parenteral glucocorticoids may facilitate earlier steroid discontinuation, potentially reducing long-term glucocorticoid-related adverse effects.
