If rheumatoid arthritis is not in a severe condition but in the early stages, a temporary prescription of methotrexate can reduce arthritis and pain in the long term, a study has been conducted.
Professor Annette van der Helm of Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands said, “Currently, methotrexate is only prescribed for patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Because the disease has already become a chronic state,” he said. The researchers hoped to relieve or reduce the symptoms of the disease by prescribing methotrexate to patients at risk for rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits of early treatment
The research team found that early treatment does not completely prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and delays diagnosis. In addition, the group of patients who were temporarily prescribed methotrexate experienced less pain, morning stiffness, and impairment of daily functioning. MRI scans also showed less joint inflammation. Professor van der Helm explained, “The initial stage is an important step to reduce the burden of disease on patients.
The study involved more than 230 patients over an eight-year period. All of them suffered from joint pain and inflammation as seen on MRI, which was suspected to be a precursor to rheumatism. At this stage, doctors cannot be sure that rheumatism is true. The researchers had these pre-rheumatic patients treated with methotrexate or a placebo for one year. After one year of follow-up, it was confirmed whether the treatment effect continued.
Path to Prevention
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease worldwide. This causes the immune system to attack the joints. Conventional treatment can only suppress the disease.
Professor van der Helm said, “These chronic diseases are extremely burdensome for patients and their families. Our research is paving the way for arthritis prevention.” According to the research team, to achieve this goal, a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying the chronic nature of rheumatism is needed.
연구는 《랜싯》에 발표됐다. 원제는 ‘Intervention with methotrexate in patients with arthralgia at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to reduce the development of persistent arthritis and its disease burden (TREAT EARLIER): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial’.
Reporter Lee Bo-hyun [email protected]
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