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Study: Anti-TNF plus methotrexate decreases radiological progression for patients with early RA
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Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis who underwent methotrexate monotherapy showed a more rapid radiological progression and less radiological non-progression, while patients who underwent anti-tumour necrosis factor plus methotrexate had decreased radiological progression, according to study results.
Researchers evaluated 49 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who received methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy (group A) and 35 patients with early RA who received anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) plus MTX treatment (group B). They focused on the first 12 months of treatment. Every 3 months, researchers collected data on disease activity and functional status, as well as 1-year radiological progression. In both groups, clinical non-responder patients were selectively investigated from a radiological point of view.
In both groups, researchers found a decrease in disease activity and significant improvement in functional status. Compared with group A, study results showed that group B had a significantly lower 1-year radiological progression. A significant advantage for group B patients was demonstrated in the percentage of patients showing radiological non-progression or rapid radiological progression. Similar radiological results were found among non-responder and responder patients in group B, which was not observed in patients in group A.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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