Treatment of hormone-dependent rheumatoid arthritis

Recognizing the autoimmune nature of rheumatoid arthritis [2, 3], many authors prefer immunosuppressive therapy. A certain place in the treatment of this disease is occupied by corticosteroids. The positive therapeutic effect of these drugs is primarily due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects [4, 5]. Nevertheless, they are prescribed with great caution due to side effects and the development of hormonal dependence. Long-term use of hormonal drugs largely determines the frequency and severity of adverse reactions, in particular in rheumatoid arthritis, it contributes to the development of pannus, subluxations, destructive bone changes [1]. However, the issue of withdrawal of corticosteroids after their long-term use has not yet been sufficiently studied. The tactics of treatment in the process of their gradual withdrawal should include measures to overcome the exacerbation of the rheumatoid process and normalize the defective functioning of the pituitary-adrenal system.