GURGEL, T. L.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1000913721792000; GURGEL, Tairine Lobo.
Resumo:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease, characterized by chronic, symmetrical and destructive polyarticular synovitis. The main objectives in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are: to prevent or control joint injuries, to prevent loss of function and to reduce pain, thus improving the patient's quality of life. Glucocorticoids in turn are used in this therapy because they efficiently reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and exert modifying effects. They are among the most widely used drugs worldwide, but their excellent therapeutic effects are often accompanied by severe and sometimes irreversible side effects, and their use is limited. Therefore, the study about this subject becomes very relevant, aiming to review the clinical use of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis and its main side effects described in the literature. This study is an integrative review, based on electronic data and free and open access search portals, published in the annual range from 2007 to 2017, prioritizing the most recent ones. We found 148 articles of which 122 were used. Subsequently, the articles were read, interpreted and analyzed. The use of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis has in turn generated a series of discussions. Several studies conducted in recent years report that when used in high doses and over a long period of time they cause a variety of side effects. The main adverse effects of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis described in the literature are osteoporosis, cardiovascular events, effects related to metabolism and susceptibility to infection. It has been concluded that the proper use of low dose glucocorticoids for an appropriate period of time has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, decreasing the appearance of these effects and the pharmacist being advised and The correct, rational and safe use of these drugs, which are very attractive to the consumer because of their excellent anti-inflammatory capacity.