Predictor Response of Monotherapy with Methotrexate with Triple DMARDS Therapy in Patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To compare Monotherapy with Methotrexate with Triple Therapy (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, and Hydroxychloroquine) in patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Rheumatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from November 2021 to April 2022.
Methods: A total of 106 patients were enrolled in this study as per defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients were divided into two groups. Group A was given monotherapy methotrexate, and in Group B triple therapy was given. Patients were followed up till 12 weeks, and outcome variables were measured to see disease activity in both treatment groups. Data entry and analysis were done with the help of the statistical package for Social Sciences version 26.
Results: Mean DAS score for Groups A and B was 4.24±0.22 and 4.30±0.23, respectively. For pain assessment, we used a visual analogue scale. The mean visual analogue scale score for Group-A and Group-B patients was 3.58±1.16 and 3.05±1.09, respectively. The efficacy of treatment was based on the DAS score. As per the DAS score criteria, the efficacy of Group-B treatment was significantly higher than that of Group A. i.e. Good response (Group-A: 49.06% vs. Group-B: 71.70%, P-value=0.051). The most frequent side effect experienced by patients in both treatment groups was gastrointestinal problems followed by fatigue and headache.  
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that combination triple therapy is more effective than monotherapy of methotrexate for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

How to cite this: Ijaz B, Fakher A, Manzor A, Anwer W, Hussain Z. Predictor Response of Monotherapy with Methotrexate with Triple DMARDS Therapy in Patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Life and Science. 2025; 6(1): 3-9. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.501