The Effect of Adalimumab (Humira) on Vascular Abnormalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Pilot Study.

The Effect of Adalimumab (Humira) on Vascular Abnormalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether anti-inflammatory treatment with adalimumab (Humira) reduces endothelial activation in blood vessels in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Markers of endothelial activation are assessed in muscle tissue before treatment and after 3 months, and related to other biomarkers and clinical outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
• Fulfillment of the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for rheumatoid arthritis
• Active disease despite treatment with at least one disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug
• Treatment with adalimumab indicated according to the the patient's rheumatologist
• At least six swollen joints in 28-joint index
• CRP > 8 mg / L within the last three months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment with anti-TNF drugs in the last three months
• Treatment with intravenous corticosteroids within fourteen days
• Ongoing treatment with oral high-dose corticosteroids (equivalent to ≥ 20 mg of prednisolon daily) or completed such treatment less than fifteen days before inclusion
• Severe bleeding disorder
• Extensive or refractory leg ulcers
• Severe peripheral vascular disease