title: [A short-term randomized controlled study with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis].
abstract: Randomized, controlled and double-blind study of 36 patients aimed at the evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of MTX in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty-eight patients completed the study period: 14 in the MTX group and 14 in the placebo group. The patients treated with MTX presented a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in pain, grip strength and functional ability when compared to placebo treated patients. Mild adverse effects were observed in 4 patients treated with MTX and in 2 patients treated with placebo. These findings support other studies and give to methotrexate a relevant position in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, owing to its convenient posology, beneficial effectivity and favourable toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Disciplina de Reumatologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Helfenstein Júnior
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Ferraz
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Atra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate
vernacular_title: Estudo controlado e randomizado a curto prazo com metotrexato na artrite reumatóide.