Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Aim was to evaluate the use of corticosteroids in rheumatoid arthritis. This was a retrospective study, which was carried out in different hospitals. Method; A total 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied. These patients either presented in clinics or hospital outdoor department of Jinnah hospital, Sir Ganga Ram hospital and Services hospital Lahore between the period of 12 June 2010 to 30 July 2010. Results; From the data collected it has been found that Corticosteroids have been widely used for suppressing pain and inflammation in RA. Conclusion; Corticosteroids can improve the symptoms of patients with rheumatic diseases. They may also have a disease-modifying effect in rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids have a clear role in the management of rheumatic disease. Their toxicity requires that they are used only when necessary, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest duration of time. Consideration should be paid to the measures that can be taken to limit toxicity
