AB0066 Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with leflunomide. (1st June 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castellanos, M; Navarro, N; García, MC; Galisteo, C; Sanmartí, M; Lisbona, MP; Alegre, C
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 60(2001)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A444
• Page End: A444
• Publication Date: 2001-06-01
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2001.1127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Objectives: To study the clinical efficacy and safety for the treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with Leflunomide. Methods: We included 15 patients with diagnostic of the RA according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criterias for at least 6 months and active disease by the following inclusion criteria: > 18 years old, > 6 tender and swollen joints, > 15 mg/dl C-reactive protein (CRP), > 28 mm/h erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and morning stiffness. We treated with Leflunomide loading dose 100 mg/day for 3 days, and after we continued with 20 mg/day. The clinical controls were the first and the end of a period of time, 26 weeks: general examination (weight, arterial pressure, morning stiffness), locomotor system (tender and swollen joint count score), acute- phase reactant (PCR, ESR) inmunology (ANA, anti-DNA, FR, C3, C4) hepatic serologies, simple radiography study (thorax, hands and feet). Evaluation of patients with a general pain, analogic visual (EVA) and the Stanford Healt Assessment Questionaire (HAQ). Non steroidal antiinflamatories drugs and steroids were allowed provided the subject had been receiving a continuous dose for at least 28 days prior to entry in the study. Intra-articular corticosteroid were not allowed. Results: The 15 patients 3 are men and 12 women, with a mean age of 68 years. After 3 months, the mean changes were -6.9 swollen joints, -10.4 tender joints, -44.8 for ESR, -26 for CRP. The most common adverse events with this treatment were three: one cutaneous allergic reaction (in this case was necessary stopping the treatment) and 2 diarrhoea. In one case the clinical was disappear after reducing in 10 mg/day, and the other it should interrupt the treatment. Conclusion: Leflunomide seems to be efficacious and safety for treatment in RA. Every way, must follow evaluation for a long time to recommend treatment like a first election.