The efficacy and safety of iguratimod or leflunomide combined with methotrexate in treating active rheumatoid arthritis (TRANMOD): a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, double dummy and controlled clinical trial / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of iguratimod (IGU) or leflnomide (LEF) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, double dummy and controlled clinical trial. Patients with moderate or high active RA were randomized in a 1∶1 ratio to receive IGU+MTX (Group A) or LEF+MTX (Group B) treatment. The efficacy and safety were assessed at week 12, 24 and 52, respectively. The primary endpoint was the American Colleague of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response rates at the 52th week. Pearson chi square test and two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the improve- ment of ACR20 and DAS28 at 52 weeks. Pearson chi square test or Fisher exact probability test were used to compare the ACR 20 and ACR70 rate between the two groups after treatment. The measurement data of the two groups were compared by independent sample t-test or nonparametric test. Results:A total of 240 RA patients were enrolled in the present study. As a result, 84.1% and 81.0% of patients achieved ACR20 criteria at the 52th week in Group A and Group B, respectively ( χ2=0.35, P=0.56). And the ACR50/70 response rates, disease activity score 28 (DAS28), simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and the absolute decrease of DAS28 from baseline were not statistically different between the two groups at week 12, 24 and 52. The rates of adverse events were lower in Group A than those in Group B (60.0% vs 79.0%, P<0.01). The elevations of glutamic pyruvic transaminase/glutamic oxalacetic transaminase levels, concomitant use of hepatinica and white blood cell decrease were more common in Group B ( P<0.05). Conclusion:IGU in combination with MTX is an efficacious and safe treatment regimen, which is comparable in efficacy in control active RA but superior in safety to LEF combined with MTX.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with Sj(o)gren's syndrome and literature review / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of multisystem impairment of Sj(o)gren's syndrome (SS) to make quick and accurate diagnose and treatment to decrease the rate of misdiagnosis and mistreatment.Methods A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with SS was reported and the related literatures were reviewed.The clinical manifestations,laboratory examinations,diagnostic criteria and therapy of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with SS were analyzed.Results Purpura haemorrhagica,hemolytic anemia,central nervous systemic symptoms,kidney impairment and fever were the representative clinical manifestations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with SS.Plasmapheresis was the most effective therapy with the background treatment with glucocorticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents.Conclusion Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with SS presents a complicated clinical manifestations,so misdiagnosis and mistreatment is very frequent.More attention should be paid to this specific situation because the disease is rare and has high mortality rate.

Infliximab versus disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab and traditional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods Sixty patients with definite AS were treated with infliximab 5 mg/kg infusion at 0, 2, 6, 12 weeks and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was proportion of ASAS 20 responders at week 12. The secondary endpoints were the proportion of ASAS 50, the change from baseline in Bath AS functional index (BASFI).The improvement of signs and symptoms of AS and physical function were evaluated. The statistical treatments were used t-test andA2 test. Results The proportion of ASAS 20 responders at 2, 6, 12 week was 70%, 83% and 93% respectively. The proportion of ASAS50 responders at patients at 2, 6, 12 week was 13%, 37% and 57% respectively. Results for other secondary efficacy endpoints showed that infliximab could provide substantial benefits to patients with AS by reducing clinical signs and symptoms and improving range of motion, physical function and quality of life. Ten percent of the subjects reported treatment- related adverse events. The most frequently occurred were upper respiratory tract infection, followed by gastrointestinal adverse events and infusion reaction. Most treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and disappeared after drug withdrawal. Conclusion Infliximab has been demonstrated to be effective and is well tolerated in the treatment of AS.

Clinical features and therapeutic response of adult onset Still's disease / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical manifestations and responses to treatment of adult onset Still's disease (AOSD).Methods One hundred and four AOSD patients were retrospectively analyzed with clinical features and treatment responses.Results The major clinical features were:spiking fever (100%),evanescent maculopapular rash (95%),polyarthralgia (90%),sore throat (78%),lymphadenectasis (66%),hepatosplenomegaly (57%),hydmhymenitis (30%),neutrephilia (98%),liver dysfunction (62%),increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (96%) and hyperferritinaemia (99%).Reactive lymphnodes hyperplasia was shown in all patients underwent lymphnode biopsy.94% and 66% patients were treated with glucocorticoid and immune suppressants.Those treated with ≥40 mg/d prednisone or its equivalent dosage achieved quicker remission and less relapses.Conclusion Patients who present with spiking fever,polyarthralgia,maculopapular rash,sore throat and predominant neutrophilia should be considered the possibility of AOSD after tumor or infection are excluded.Glucoeorticoid and immune suppressive drugs are effective medications for AOSD.