Population-based assessment of adverse events associated with long-term glucocorticoid use.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
OBJECTIVE: The frequency of many adverse events (AEs) associated with low-dose glucocorticoid use is unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence of glucocorticoid-associated AEs in a large US managed care population. METHODS: Using linked administrative and pharmacy claims, adults receiving >or=60 days of glucocorticoids were identified. These individuals were surveyed about glucocorticoid use and symptoms of 8 AEs commonly attributed to glucocorticoid use. RESULTS: Of the 6,517 eligible glucocorticoid users identified, 2,446 (38%) returned the mailed survey. Respondents were 29% men with a mean +/- SD age of 53 +/- 14 years; 79% were white and 13% were African American. Respondents had a mean +/- SD of 7 +/- 3 comorbid conditions and were prescribed a mean +/- SD prednisone-equivalent dosage of 16 +/- 14 mg/day. More than 90% of individuals reported at least 1 AE associated with glucocorticoid use; 55% reported that at least 1 AE was very bothersome. Weight gain was the most common self-reported AE (70% of the individuals), cataracts (15%) and fractures (12%) were among the most serious. After multivariable adjustment, all AEs demonstrated a strong dose-dependent association with cumulative glucocorticoid use. Among users of low-dose therapy (
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Curtis, JR; Westfall, AO; Allison, J; Bijlsma, JW; Freeman, A; George, V; Kovac, SH; Spettell, CM; Saag, KG
Published Date
- June 15, 2006
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 55 / 3
Start / End Page
- 420 - 426
PubMed ID
- 16739208
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0004-3591
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1002/art.21984
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States