A Study of the Effects of Oral Prednisone in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (MK0000-088)

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Placebo Controlled Study to Access the Effects of Oral Prednisone on Clinical Efficacy and the Power Doppler Ultrasound Signal of Synovium in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The study will compare the effects of prednisone vs placebo on synovial blood flow and overall DAS (disease activity score) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is willing to limit alcohol intake to 3 or less beverages per day
• Patient agrees to use only acetaminophen/paracetamol for breakthrough pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient has other inflammatory arthritis (e.g. lupus). Patient has had major surgery or donated or lost 1 unit of blood in the last 4 weeks
• Patient has a history of drug or alcohol abuse in the last 2 years
• Patient has had a vaccine (with a live or attenuated virus) in the last two weeks