This project explored contemporary indications, patterns of use, and volume of prescriptions for high dose and/or long-term oral glucocorticoids.

Background

Despite a broad range of known side effects, oral glucocorticoids (steroid tablets) are still widely used in high doses and over long periods.

To make the case for further much-needed research in the area, it was necessary to collate evidence on current use from a large scoping review and a population-based cohort study using electronic healthcare records.

Aims

The aim of this project was to map the available evidence on high dose and/or long-term oral glucocorticoid use and to understand the extent and reasons for their widespread prescription. 

Publications

Moore E, Al Sallakh M, Olajide O, Trusinska D, Jackson T, Shi T, Brown SJ, Robson JC, Ndosi M, Jani M, Sheikh A, Kallis C, Lax SJ and Quint JK. Mapping Use of High Dose or Long-Term Oral Glucocorticoids and Steroid-Sparing Strategies in Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Rapid Scoping Review of Reviews Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 34, no. 10 (2025): e70233, https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.70233.

Whittaker HR, Jani M, Pearce FA, Bell S, Kallis C, Hawcutt D, Brown S, Neves AL, Robson J, Shi T, Lax S, Sheikh A, and Quint J. Prescriptions of Corticosteroids in Primary Care in England and Related Clinical Indications: National Population-Based Cohort Study. Preprint available at http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5375249