Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints but can also impact other organs and systems in the body. The present study was conducted to compare methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine with leflunomide in active rheumatoid arthritis. Materials & Methods:120 rheumatoid arthritis patients of both genderswere divided into 2 groups of 60 each. Group I received a combination of drugs, namely 7.5 mg/week tablet methotrexate and 200 mg tablet hydroxychloroquine daily. Group II received 10 mg tablet leflunomide daily. Parameters were compared in both groups. Results: Group I had 25 males and 35 females and group II had 32 males and 28 females. The mean total joint count was 19.4 in group I and 19.8 in group II. Swollen joint count was 8.2 in group I and 10.4 in group II. VAS was 84.2 in group I and 89.7 in group II. Disease activity score was 6.3 in group I and 6.9 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Disease activity score in group I and group II, at baseline was 6.3 and 6.9, at 6th week was 5.2 and 5.8, and at 12th week was 3.4 and 3.9 respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: For the initial treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, the combination of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine is as effective in lowering disease activity as leflunomide.