The Effect of Adalimumab (Humira) on Vascular Abnormalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Pilot Study.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis * Fulfillment of the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for rheumatoid arthritis * Active disease despite treatment with at least one disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug * Treatment with adalimumab indicated according to the the patient's rheumatologist * At least six swollen joints in 28-joint index * CRP \> 8 mg / L within the last three months Exclusion Criteria: * Treatment with anti-TNF drugs in the last three months * Treatment with intravenous corticosteroids within fourteen days * Ongoing treatment with oral high-dose corticosteroids (equivalent to ≥ 20 mg of prednisolon daily) or completed such treatment less than fifteen days before inclusion * Severe bleeding disorder * Extensive or refractory leg ulcers * Severe peripheral vascular disease