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Title: Disease modification in rheumatoid arthritis with leflunomide. Author: Emery P. Journal: Scand J Rheumatol Suppl; 1999; 112():9-14. PubMed ID: 10668522. Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Disease progression as assessed by radiographic imaging of structural joint damage is a key outcome measure in RA. Joint damage is especially rapid during early phases of RA, thus the current trend of early aggressive therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Radiographic analysis of disease progression with the novel DMARD leflunomide was compared to methotrexate and sulfasalazine in two large, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase III studies (N = 580). The results as indicated by changes in x-ray scores indicate that leflunomide and both active comparators slow disease progression significantly better than placebo (P < or = 0.01). Slowing of disease progression with leflunomide was similar to sulfasalazine at 6 months but better than methotrexate (P < or = 0.049) at 12 months. These data verify the ability of leflunomide to slow disease progression and confirm its disease-modifying potential.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]