Prevalence of Adrenal Insufficiency and Associated Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Using Low-dose Corticosteroids.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving low-dose corticosteroid therapy and to identify the factors influencing adrenal insufficiency. To this end, the researchers plan to conduct a study comparing the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency and associated factors among RA patients-who are currently receiving low-dose corticosteroid therapy during outpatient follow-up and have consented to participate-by categorizing them into three groups based on the duration of treatment: short (3 weeks-3 months), medium (3-12 months), and long (\>12 months).

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