Comparison of Glucocorticoid Tapering Schedules in Rheumatoid Arthritis (NCT07227428) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingPhase 4
Comparison of Glucocorticoid Tapering Schedules in Rheumatoid Arthritis
206 participantsStarted 2025-12-01
Plain-language summary
This multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind prospective study aims to establish an evidence-based protocol for discontinuing long-term low-dose glucocorticoids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study will compare two tapering strategies (1) a split-dose tapering method, in which the 5 mg tablet is divided into halves and gradually reduced, and (2) a sequential 1 mg-by-1 mg tapering method.
A total of 206 patients (including 50 from Seoul National University Hospital) will be enrolled and followed for six months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two tapering arms, and an exploratory group will include patients who continue low-dose prednisolone without tapering.
The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in RA disease activity, measured by DAS28-CRP, to demonstrate non-inferiority between the two tapering strategies. Secondary endpoints include the success rate of glucocorticoid discontinuation and changes in disease activity over time.
This trial seeks to define a standardized, practical glucocorticoid tapering protocol tailored to Korean RA patients. The findings are expected to support safer steroid withdrawal, reduce treatment-related adverse events, and guide clinical decision-making in long-term management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Who can participate
Age range
19 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Males or females ≥19 years of age at time of consent
* Body weight \< 90kg
* Have a diagnosis of RA per the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for at least 6 months
* Disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis has been stable for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization (DAS28-CRP ≤ 3.2)
* The patient has been taking a stable dose of prednisolone equivalent ≤ 5 mg/day for at least 12 weeks prior to randomization
* The dose of corticosteroids has not changed during the 4 weeks prior to randomization
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of major surgery within 8 weeks prior to screening
* Increase in the dose of antirheumatic drugs within 4 weeks prior to screening due to worsening arthritis
* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* RA functional class IV, requiring confinement to bed or wheelchair
* History of primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.