The understanding on the current role of systemic glucocorticoids (GC) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management by examining their importance and the current level of evidence in recent guidelines have been explained in this study analysis. The open questions to be addressed in future guidelines and research projects have also been recognised.

The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were used to explore the systematic literature review for the guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of RA. The AGREE II tool was used to evaluate the relevant articles according to their quality and inspected for all relevant information regarding the use of GC.

All guidelines concur that GC, especially if given at low dosages and for a short duration, are an suitable option in RA treatment. But, many recommendations remain indistinct as reliable and detailed evidence is limited. The significant elements of the GC therapy are partially or completely neglected, and the current nomenclature is not used consistently. Generally, quality estimation displayed flaws in many articles, regarding not only GC specific recommendations but also guideline quality.

It was culminated that the current recommendations for the use of GC in the RA management are not satisfactory. Careful evaluation of dosages, timing and duration of their use is required. The existing nomenclature on glucocorticoid therapy should be used consistently.