Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: In this 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with active RA (n=350) were randomised 2:1 to receive MR prednisone 5 mg or placebo once daily in the evening in addition to their existing RA disease-modifying antirheumatic drug ( DMARD) treatment. The primary end point was the percentage of patients achieving a 20% improvement in RA signs and symptoms according to American College of Rheumatology criteria (ie, an ACR20 response) at week 12. Changes in morning pain, duration of morning stiffness, 28-joint Disease Activity Score and health-related quality of life were also assessed. RESULTS: MR prednisone plus DMARD treatment produced higher response rates for ACR20 (48% vs 29%, p<0.001) and ACR50 (22% vs 10%, p<0.006) and a greater median relative reduction from baseline in morning stiffness (55% vs 35%, p<0.002) at week 12 than placebo plus DMARD treatment. Significantly greater reductions in severity of RA (Disease Activity Score 28) (p<0.001) and fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Fatigue score) (p=0.003) as well as a greater improvement in physical function (36-item Short-Form Health Survey score) (p<0.001) were seen at week 12 for MR prednisone versus placebo. The incidence of adverse events was similar for MR prednisone (43%) and placebo (49%). CONCLUSION: Low-dose MR prednisone added to existing DMARD treatment produced rapid and relevant improvements in RA signs and symptoms. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV, NUMBER: NCT00650078.
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Authors | Frank Buttgereit, Daksha Mehta, John Kirwan, Jacek Szechinski, Maarten Boers, Rieke E Alten, Jerzy Supronik, Istvan Szombati, Ulrike Romer, Stephan Witte, Kenneth G Saag |
Journal | Annals of the rheumatic diseases
(Ann Rheum Dis)
Vol. 72
Issue 2
Pg. 204-10
(Feb 2013)
ISSN: 1468-2060 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 22562974
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Antirheumatic Agents
- Prednisone
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Antirheumatic Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(drug therapy)
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Chronotherapy
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pain
(etiology)
- Prednisone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Quality of Life
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