Steroid-Free hope for arthritis patients?

NCT ID NCT02997605

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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