Interventions
The eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, receiving a low initial dose, or the control group, receiving a standard initial dose of PSL. Patients in both groups were treated with PSL (p.o.) for several weeks to months. The discontinuation of PSL is gradually implemented based on clinical symptoms, laboratory test results, and principles of dose reduction. Patients were assessed once or twice daily (usually in a hospital) during the first week after randomization and followed up every 2–4 weeks for up to 6 months.In the experimental group, patients initially received a dose of 15 mg/d of PSL for 14 days. Subsequently, the dose was gradually reduced by 5 mg every 7–14 days or longer, which was based on previous literature [Researchers were cautious about prescribing other medications needed for the safety and health of patients. Combined treatments and other treatment measures are detailed in 