[Low-dose steroids in chronic polyarthritis: a basic therapy?].

The symptomatic and disease-modifying efficacy of low-dose corticosteroids in rheumatoid arthritis is explained. A possible therapeutic effect of low-dose corticosteroids is shown by long-term studies which include radiological evaluation. The safety and side-effects of low-dose corticosteroids are described. Steroid-induced osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis is discussed especially based on recently accomplished longitudinal bone density studies. Finally consequences in the management of rheumatoid arthritis are defined.