Comparison of Two Strategies of Glucocorticoid Withdrawal in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

"After inclusion in the study, the first part is an open follow-up period where all patients will receive 5 mg of prednisone daily for one month. After one month, if patients still have a DAS28 ≤3.2, they will be randomized into two arms: Group 1: GC tapering group / Group 2: Hydrocortisone replacement group.~After randomisation, there are four scheduled visits: M4, M7, M9 and M12. Patients withdrawing from GC therapy will be instructed, that if they start feeling unwell during or after the GC tapering protocol they should not taper the steroid dose any further, but contact the centre responsible for the protocol. If GC induced adrenal insufficiency is confirmed or strongly suspected, GC replacement will be secured using hydrocortisone."