Table 1

Demographics and clinical and laboratory characteristics of the glucocorticoid exposure groups

Results expressed as number (percentage), median (25th–75th percentile), or mean ± standard deviation, as appropriate. Anti-CCP, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide; anti-TNF, anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy; CRP, C-reactive protein; HAQ, health assessment questionnaire; DAS-28, 28-joint disease activity score; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; Triglycerides M, triglycerides of at least 1.7 mmol/L or on drug treatment for elevated triglycerides; Waist M, waist circumference of greater than 102 cm in males and greater than 88 cm in females. Fasting plasma glucose M, fasting plasma glucose of at least 6.1 mmol/L or on drug treatment for elevated blood glucose; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; HDL M, high-density lipoprotein level of less than 1.0 mmol/L in males or less than 1.3 mmol/L in females or on drug treatment for low HDL; Hypertension M, systolic blood pressure of at least 130/85 mm Hg or on antihypertensive medication; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; LE, low-dose/long-term exposure; ME, moderate-dose/long-term exposure; MetS, metabolic syndrome; NCEP, National Cholesterol Education Programme; NE, none/limited exposure; NSAIDs/COX II, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/cyclooxygenase II inhibitors; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; RF, rheumatoid factor;

Toms et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008 10:R145   doi:10.1186/ar2578