Early disease control by low-dose prednisone comedication may affect the quality of remission in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
In order to identify rate and stability of remission induced by low-dose prednisone comedication in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we evaluated patients with early RA (<1 year) who were randomized to receive (P) or not (non-P) low-dose prednisone in association with step-up disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy over 2 years. Prevalence and duration of clinical remission were evaluated in the first and second year. Each treatment group included 105 patients; no significant differences were found at baseline. During the first year, P patients achieved higher rates of clinical remission with a time-averaged odds ratio (OR) of 1.965 (CI 95% 1.214-3.182, P= 0.006). Moreover, they showed a higher probability of sustained remission during the second year (OR 4.480, CI 95% 1.354-14.817, P= 0.014). In conclusion, we found as in early RA low-dose prednisone comedication is associated with higher rate of clinical remission, earlier disease activity control and more stable remission over time.
Todoerti
Monica
M
Division of Rheumatology, University of Pavia, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Piazzale Golgi, Pavia, Italy.
Scirè
Carlo Alberto
CA
Boffini
Nicola
N
Bugatti
Serena
S
Montecucco
Carlomaurizio
C
Caporali
Roberto
R
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate