Characteristics of the patients using/not using glucocorticoids (GC). Data expressed as percentage or mean ± SD.
| Characteristic | GC Nonusers, n = 68 | GC Users, n = 297 | p |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men, no. | 26.4 | 35.5 | NS |
| Age, yrs (range) | 66.1 ± 12.3 (28–90) | 66.7 ± 11.7 (26–89) | NS |
| BMI | 26.2 ± 4.6 | 26.3 ± 5.1 | NS |
| Disease duration, yrs | 16.3 ± 6.1 | 16.8 ± 6.3 | NS |
| Daily GC dose, mg (range) | — | 4.1 ± 1.2 (4–6) | — |
| Cumulative GC dose, g (range) | — | 12 ± 10 (1–38) | — |
| Duration of GC use, yrs (range) | — | 8 ± 6 (1–20) | — |
| Erosive disease, no. | 71.2 | 74.3 | NS |
| NSAID/COX-2 inhibitor users, no. | 65.5 | 71.2 | NS |
| No. DMARD used (range) | 1.8 ± 1.3 (1–4) | 3.2 ± 1.5 (1–6) | < 0.01 |
| RF-positive, no. | 52 | 64 | < 0.05 |
| Anti-CCP-positive, no. | 34 | 58 | < 0.01 |
BMI: body mass index; NSAID: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug; COX: cyclooxygenase; DMARD: disease modifying antirheumatic drug; RF: rheumatoid factor; anti-CCP: anticyclic citrullinated peptide. NS: nonsignificant.