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In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), joint erosion is associated with functional disability and pain. Previous RA studies have demonstrated potentially disease-modifying effects of prednisone (JW Gen Med Jan 22 2002 and Dec 23 2005). Now, researchers have randomized 236 patients with untreated early RA to a methotrexate-based treatment strategy plus prednisone (10 mg daily) or placebo.
By 2 years, primary radiographic assessment showed that the percentage of patients without evidence of joint damage was significantly higher in the methotrexate–prednisone group than in the methotrexate-only group (78% vs. 67%). However, two other standardized radiographic scores failed to reflect a benefit of dual therapy. Combination treatment showed …