ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare short-term efficacy of Leflunomide and Methotrexate in active rheumatoids arthritis
Methodology: This study, a randomizeds controlled trial, was conducted at Medical B Unit, Postgraduate Medical Institute Lady Readings Hospital, Pe-shawars over a one year period, from 1[st] June 2014 to 31[st] May 2015. 294 patients with active RA [DAS28>5.1] were randomized via lottery methods to Leflunomide 20mg daily [n=147] and Methotrexate [n=147]. Efficacy of either drug at 6 months of treatment was assessed in terms of DAS 28 scoring as per European League Against Rheumatisms [EULAR] criteria
Results: After 66 months of treatment with Methotrexate, 110 out of 147 [74.82] patients had a moderate response as per EULAR criteria [DAS 28 improvement of >1.2] 37 patients had no response. In Leflunomide group, 100 [68.02%] patients had moderate response and 47 patients had no response. The difference in those achieving moderate response for both groups was statistically not significant [p=0.24]. The mean change in DAS 28 score for Methotrexate group was 1.89 +/- 0.77 while that for Leflunomide group was 1.79 +/- 0.75. The difference in change of DAS 28 score for both groups was statistically not significant [p=0.23]
Conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference between short-term efficacy of Leflunomide and Methotrexate in patients with RA