SAT0241 Patients’ perspective on the efficacy and risks of glucocorticoids in ra – an initiative under the gloria project
Authors: P.D. Carvalho, N. Goel, M. Voshaar, M. Boers, J.A.P.D. Silva
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background:</h3> The Glucocorticoid Low-dose Outcome in Rheumatoid Arthritis Study (GLORIA) is an international investigator-initiated pragmatic randomised trial designed to study the effects of low dose glucocorticoids (GC) in elderly patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The research team is also committed to promote a better understanding of the risks and benefits of these drugs among health professionals and patients. In order to achieve these goals, it is important to assess the current concepts and concerns of patients regarding GC. <h3>Objectives:</h3> In this study, we evaluated the beliefs about GC in RA patients who are, of have been treated with GC. <h3>Methods:</h3> Patients with RA from three different countries (United States (US), Portugal, and the Netherlands) completed an online survey which was presented in their native language. Members of People with Arthritis and Rheumatism, and national associations were involved in the development of the questionnaire. In Europe, patients were invited to participate through national patients' organizations, and SurveyMonkey® was used to disseminate the online surveys. In the US, patients were invited to participate and surveyed through MediGuard.org. Patients with RA from three different countries (United States (US), Portugal, and the Netherlands) completed an online survey which was presented in their native language. Members of People with Arthritis and Rheumatism, and national associations were involved in the development of the questionnaire. Participants were asked to agree or disagree with statements on a 5-point scale. In Europe, patients were invited to participate through national patients' organizations, and SurveyMonkey® was used to disseminate the online surveys. In the US, patients were invited to participate and surveyed through MediGuard.org. <h3>Results:</h3> Data was collected from 314 RA patients with exposure to GCs (table 1). Mean education level was around 15 years and duration of GC exposure was skewed (median 48 months [inner quartiles 8, 120]). The majority of US patients had received prednisone and in Europe, prednisolone. The majority of participants in all three regions had already read articles or pamphlets on the benefits or harms related to GC therapy. Regarding GC risk, about half of the European patients stated that they had already suffered a serious adverse event (SAE) due to GC. US patients were not asked if they suffered GC-related SAE due to regulatory reporting rules, but 82% showed concern about experiencing an SAE from GC use. Regarding GC efficacy, high levels of endorsement were found for the three questions asked: more than 78% of patients considered that GC were very useful in their case, more than 61% considered that GC were effective even in low doses, and more than 60% agreed that GC improved RA symptoms within days. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Patients with RA exposed to long-term GC report a high prevalence of SAE or fear thereof. This is accompanied by a strong conviction that GC are very useful and effective for the treatment of their RA, even at low dosages. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 634886 <h3>Disclosure of Interest:</h3> None declared