Improving compliance with prednisone therapy in pediatric patients with rheumatic disease

Arthritis Care Res. 1989 Dec;2(4):132-5. doi: 10.1002/anr.1790020407.

Abstract

Compliance with regimens for pediatric rheumatic diseases is often poor, and few studies have evaluated strategies for improving compliance. This study utilized relatively simple behavioral and educational strategies to improve compliance with prednisone for three patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erthematosus and dermatomyositis). These strategies were implemented in a pediatric rheumatology setting and resulted in improved compliance that was maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-up. During baseline, patients were found to be overmedicating as well as undermedicating. This study is a systematic replication of an earlier study that demonstrated that behavioral and educational strategies can improve compliance with medications for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It also raises the possibility of overmedicating as a compliance problem to be managed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Patient Education as Topic / standards*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Rheumatic Diseases / psychology*

Substances

  • Prednisone