Prednisone treatment of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis. Disease activity and bone mass in comparison with chloroquine treatment.

摘要: Objective. Prednisone is frequently used in the treatment of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but balance between efficacy and toxicity, including effect on bone mass, has not been investigated long-term studies. This prospective, randomized study was undertaken to compare disease activity mass during with prednisone versus chloroquine this patient population. Methods. Patients active RA diagnosed at age ≥ 60 were receive (15 mg/day for 1 month, dosage tapered as low possible thereafter) (n = 28) or 28). who did show a response received other second-line drugs an adjunct replacement chloroquine. Bone measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The duration 2 years. Results. During years, needed 12 patients group (43%) 8 (29%). Functional capacity improved significantly both groups differ groups, except greater improvement month. Radiographic scores joint destruction progressed similarly groups. There nonsignificant excess loss 1.8% spine 1.5% hip group, compared group. Conclusion. Neither entirely satisfactory since significant number additional drug over 2-year period.