The use of antimalarials in combination with other disease modifying agents in rheumatoid arthritis--the French experience.
A significant proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an aggressive, severe disease that may contribute to excess mortality. It has been suggested that early, aggressive therapy might improve the prognosis of these patients with active, severe rheumatoid arthritis. Combinations of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including antimalarials are increasingly used in patients with active disease. While several open trials showed encouraging results, some controlled studies gave less support for the use of combination therapy. Ongoing controlled trials of double or triple combination therapy, such as hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate and sulphasalazine, should help define its place in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Kahan
A
A
Department of Rheumatology, R. Descartes University, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.
Menkès
C J
CJ
D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic
D000962:Antimalarials; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents