Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 65

Adrenal Function in RA Patients on Low-Dose Corticosteroids

Official title: Prevalence of Adrenal Insufficiency and Influencing Factors in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Using Low-dose Corticosteroids.

Run by Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital · NCT07866326 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how common adrenal insufficiency is among rheumatoid arthritis patients who are taking low-dose corticosteroids.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorBursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital
Government
Locations1 site (Bursa, Yıldırım)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 31, 2026
Main results expectedJuly 30, 2027
Study endsJuly 30, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT07866326 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

RA patients on low-dose corticosteroids (≤5 mg prednisolone equivalent) for 3 weeks or longer and in low disease activity or remission.

Probably not a fit

Patients with high disease activity, recent acute illness, or certain comorbidities may not benefit from this assessment.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will measure adrenal function using an ACTH stimulation test in RA patients on low-dose steroids and compare groups by how long they have been on therapy (short, medium, long). The goal is to identify factors that contribute to adrenal insufficiency in these patients and to see how prevalence varies with treatment duration. Eligible participants have RA, are on corticosteroids at or below the equivalent of 5 mg prednisolone, and are in low disease activity or remission. Exclusions include primary adrenal issues, recent pulse steroids, and certain medical conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help clinicians identify which patients are at risk for adrenal insufficiency and tailor monitoring or tapering plans accordingly.

How similar studies have gone: Previous literature documents the link between long-term corticosteroid use and adrenal suppression, but prevalence in low-dose regimens needs further clarification.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria.
* Participants who have been undergoing corticosteroid treatment for at least 3 weeks.
* Participants in remission or with low disease activity (DAS28-CRP ≤3.2).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency.
* Participants who have received pulse steroid therapy within the last 6 months.
* Pregnancy and lactation.
* Hypopituitarism
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
* Comorbidities; ≥NYHA Class 3 heart failure, Stage 3 chronic kidney failure, ≥Child-Pugh Class B liver cirrhosis

Where it's running

  • SBU Bursa Yüksek İhtisas EAH
    Bursa, Yıldırım, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.