Pulse methylprednisolone therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: Unproved therapy, unjustified therapy, or effective adjunctive treatment?

Abstract

The way we use corticosteroids in RA has been profoundly modified since the first uncritical enthusiasm with which they were at first applied. Our indications for their use are now much more restricted, though we cannot as yet do without them. Pulse therapy has been in use for 10 years or so with good effect on selected occasions, though it has clearly recognised dangers. Is its benefit unproved as some would maintain? The authors of this viewpoint article would contest this.