Intra Articular Corticosteroid Injection in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Objectives: This study was done to assess the effect of intra-articular injection of corticosteroid in persistent synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods: Thirty RA patients with persistent synovitis in one joint were subjected to intra-articular injection of corticosteroid. All patients were examined for disease activity by disease activity score 28 (DAS28), functional assessment using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ), and laboratory investigations (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein). Affected joints were evaluated for pain by visual analog scale (VAS) and tenderness score. Follow-up of the patients was done at 2 months after injection by clinical, functional and laboratory.

Results: There was a significant improvement in VAS, tenderness score, DAS 28, MHAQ after 2 months of injection.

Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of corticosteroid is a safe and effective treatment option in persistent synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients.