Multi-center, parallel-group, randomized, open control study. All patients will be selected to two treatment groups. 1. Etanercept alone treatment group (25mg, twice/week, s.c.) 2. Etanercept combined with MTX group (25mg, twice/week, s.c.+MTX 6-8mg/week)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
151
Keio University
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
EULAR Good Response
EULAR good response was defined as reaching, at least, low decease activity by the disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28) and its improvement by \> 1.2. DAS28 is a quantitative composite measure of disease activity for rheumatoid arthritis, and DAS28 \< 3.2 is regarded as low disease activity.
Time frame: at 24 weeks
ACR50 Response Rate
ACR (American College of Rheumatology) 50 response is defined by the following definition of improvement: at least 50% improvement in tender and swollen joint counts and at least 50% improvement in 3 of the 5 remaining ACR-core set measures; patient and physician global assessments, pain, disability, and an acute phase reactant (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein).
Time frame: at 24 weeks
Radiographic Progression Defined by Change in Van Der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score
The van der Heijde-modifiedtotal Sharp score is the sum of scores for erosions and joint space narrowing. The minimum and maximum total scores are 0 and 448, respectively. The maximum number of erosions is 160 in the hands and 120 in the feet; and the maximum scores for joint space narrowing are 120 and 48, respectively. Erosions are scored 1 for a discrete interruption of the cortical surface, and scored 2-5 for a larger defect according to the surface area of the joint involved. Notably, the maximum erosion score in each joint in hands is 5, while it is 10 in the feet. For joint space narrowing, 0=normal; 1=focal or doubtful; 2=general, \<50% of the original joint space; 3=general, \>50% of the original joint space or subluxation; 4=ankylosis.
Time frame: at 52 weeks
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