Comparison of Three Different Treatment Regimes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Open-labelled Trial

Comparison of Three Different Treatment Regimes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Open-labelled Trial

Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of pulse steroids in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but no consensus exists. The aim of this study is to study the efficacy of various treatment regimens in early RA. Methods: This is a randomized open-labeled trial. Patients were randomised into three groups. In group A, patients were treated with single drug (methotrexate 15 mg/wk). The patients in Group B were treated with a combination of DMARDS (Methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine). The patients in Group C received combination therapy as in group B and 3 pulses of methylprednisolone intravenously.

Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of pulse steroids in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but no consensus exists. The aim of this study is to study the efficacy of various treatment regimens in early RA. Patients were divided into three groups. In group A, patients were treated with single drug (methotrexate 15 mg/wk). The patients in Group B were treated with a combination of DMARDS (Methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine). The patients in Group C received combination therapy as in group B and 3 pulses of methylprednisolone intravenously.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed on the basis of revised American college of rheumatology criteria,1987
2. Age >18 years
3. Early Rheumatoid Arthritis i.e. less than 2 years duration
4. Patient giving consent to participate in study
5. Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs naive -

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant and lactating patient or planning to conceive in next year
2. Patient who had joint surgery in last 6 months
3. Co morbidities such as liver disease, kidney disease, hematological malignancies
4. Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus
5. Coronary artery disease -