Steroid-Free hope for arthritis patients?

NCT ID NCT02997605

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested two methods to help people with rheumatoid arthritis stop taking steroids (prednisone) safely. 102 adults with low disease activity or remission were given either a gradual dose reduction or a replacement with hydrocortisone. The goal was to see which approach allowed more patients to stop steroids completely after one year without causing adrenal gland problems.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Prednisone and Hydrocortisone
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help rheumatoid arthritis patients stop taking steroids safely without causing adrenal insufficiency.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 4 trial with only 102 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The strategies may not work for all patients, and there is a risk of adrenal insufficiency during withdrawal.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Bichat Hospital

Paris, France
Bicêtre Hospital

Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
Bordeaux University Hospital

Bordeaux, France
Brest University Hospital

Brest, France
Clermont-Ferrand Hospital

Clermont-Ferrand, France
Cochin Hospital

Paris, France
Hospital Pierre-Paul Riquet

Toujouse, 31059, France
Jean Rougier Hospital

Cahors, France
La Pitié-Salpétrière

Paris, France
Lille Hospital

Lille, France
Limoges Hospital

Limoges, France
Lyon Sud Hopsital

Pierre-Bénite, France
Montpellier Hospital

Montpellier, France
Orléans Hospital

Orléans, France
Pasteur Hospital

Nice, France
Saint-Etienne Hospital

Saint-Etienne, France
Strasbourg Hospital

Strasbourg, France

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