Comparison of efficacy and safety between two therapeutic schemes for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose hormone combined with methotrexate and tripterygium glycosides (TMP group) and methotrexate combined with leflunomide (ML group) in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.Methods The patients with active rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling American College of Rheumatology classification criteria of RA in 1987 were selected.The TMP group was conducted with the low-dose of hormone combined with methotrexate and tripterygium,while ML group was given methotrexate combined with leflunomide.Therapeutic effects and side effects were compared 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.Results There were significant differences in the ACR20,ACR50 and ACR70 at the time points of 5 and 12 weeks after treatment in both groups (P ＜0.05).After 4 and 12 weeks of treatment,the joint pain,joint swelling,morning stiffness,ESR,CRP,VAS and other indicators significantly improved in both groups (P ＜ 0.05).Adverse reactions were mainly liver damage in both groups.Conclusion Low-dose of glucocorticoid combined with methotrexate and tripterygium glycosides can significantly improve symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.