AB1410-HPR Health professionals’ perspective on benefits and risks of low dose glucocorticoids in ra – an initiative under the gloria project
Authors: P.D Carvalho, F. Buttgereit, 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 promoting 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 health professionals (HP) regarding GCs. <h3>Objectives</h3> In this study, we evaluated the beliefs about GC benefits and risks of HP who regularly use and monitor them in the treatment of RA. <h3>Methods</h3> These surveys were disseminated to HP who have experience dealing with RA patients in their daily clinical practice. These surveys mainly enrolled physicians, but also nurses or physiotherapists who considered themselves experienced in this field. The surveys were made available in Portuguese and English, and disseminated through the GLORIA investigational team. National medical societies contributed by inviting clinicians to participate. Regarding the questions on GC efficacy, HP could signal (dis)agreement on a 5 point scale: disagree, slightly disagree, neutral, slightly agree, and agree. Agreement was defined as the proportion of HP answering slightly agree or agree. Survey Monkey software was used to disseminate the online surveys. <h3>Results</h3> Responses provided by 130 HP are summarised in table 1. The results are presented taking all participating countries in account as the rates are similar between them. Most responses came from The Netherlands (57%) and Portugal (34%). Almost all participants were physicians (97%). Efficacy of GC was highly endorsed. Close to 90% of HP considered low dose GC were very effective in the control of signs and symptoms of RA, and agreed that GC improve RA symptoms within days. Almost 80% agreed that GC reduce structural damage, and 85% disagreed that GC lose their efficacy after a few months. The opinions of health professionals regarding frequency of GC adverse events are presented in table 2. Regarding GC AE events, most of the respondents considered that low dose GC adverse events were very rare or rather rare, except for glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and osteoporosis. Acne and cardiovascular events were evaluated as very rare adverse events by approximately one third of HPs. However, there was significant heterogeneity in the responses. <h3>Conclusions</h3> GC are widely used drugs in RA. The vast majority of participating HPs are convinced that GCs are efficacious in the treatment of RA, including DMARD effects, and retain this efficacy long term. However, concerns about severe side-effects are also very prevalent. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 6 34 886 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared