Blood is sampled from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fulfilling the inclusion criteria and patients are genotyped for the SNPs N363S, BclI, ER22/23EK and 9β and grouped according to haplotypes. SNPs will be determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients will be included for a Synacthen test, to evaluate their adrenal function. Information from the results of the study will be able to assist clinicians to identify patients at risk and thus individualize GC therapy in a tailored fashion. Results of the study will be important for all patient groups worldwide on GC therapy.
