Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, disability, and reduced quality of life. Current therapies, although effective, may have limited efficacy or tolerability in some patients. Biological DMARDs are often associated with adverse effects, including increased risk of serious infections and heart failure. Long-term use may also increase the risk of malignancies. These limitations, together with their high cost. Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), has shown potential anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its antidepressant effects. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine as an adjunct therapy in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Eligible patients will be randomly assigned using block randomization to one of the following groups: Venlafaxine group: 35 patients will receive the standard RA treatment in addition to venlafaxine extended-release (XR) initiated at a dose of 75 mg/day for one week to ensure tolerability, followed by an increase to 150 mg/day, which will be maintained for the duration of the study (12 weeks) The control group: 35 patients will receive the standard treatment of RA, which will be maintained for the duration of the study (12 weeks). At baseline the following data will be collected from the patient : Age - Gender- Body mass index (BMI) - Medical history- Medication history- Smoking status- Disease duration- Dose of corticosteroids if present. Efficacy evaluation Serum CRP and ESR will be assessed at baseline and after 3 months using routine analysis • Disease activity using DAS-28-CRP Disease severity will be assessed using DAS-28-CRP at baseline and after 3 months Safety assessment All patients will be assessed on a monthly basis during clinic visits and on a weekly basis during phone calls to assess the adverse effects of venlafaxine. All patients will be educated about the study protocol and will be required to report the occurrence of any of them. Serum biomarker A blood ample will be withdrawn from each patient at baseline and after 3 month and the separated sera will be stored at -80o C till analysis. These sera will be used to assess the level of VEGF using commercial ELISA kits. Quality of life assessment using health assessment questionnaire (HAQ-DI)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
70
35 patients will receive the standard RA treatment in addition to venlafaxine extended-release (XR) initiated at a dose of 75 mg/day for one week to ensure tolerability, followed by an increase to 150 mg/day, which will be maintained for the duration of the study (12 weeks)
35 patients will receive the standard treatment of RA, which will be maintained for the duration of the study (12 weeks).
Change in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28-CRP)
Disease severity will be assessed using DAS-28-CRP Disease activity will be assessed using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), a validated composite index that includes tender joint count (28 joints), swollen joint count (28 joints), C-reactive protein (CRP), and patient global assessment of health. The DAS28-CRP score ranges approximately from 0 to 9.4, with higher scores indicating higher disease activity and worse outcomes.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Change in C-reactive protein (CRP)
Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels will be measured as an indicator of systemic inflammation. CRP is expressed in mg/L, with higher values indicating increased inflammatory activity.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Change in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) will be measured as a marker of inflammation. ESR is expressed in mm/hour, with higher values indicating increased inflammatory activity.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Change in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
To investigate the change in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels before and after venlafaxine treatment. A blood sample will be withdrawn from each patient at baseline and after 3 month and the separated sera will be stored at -80o C till analysis. These sera will be used to assess the level of VEGF using commercial ELISA kits.
Time frame: at baseline and after 3 months.
safety and tolerability of venlafaxine
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of venlafaxine through monitoring and documentation of potential adverse events during the study period
Time frame: at baseline and after 3 months.
Health assessment questionnaire HAQ-DI.
It consists of 8 domains: dressing, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities, with 2-3 questions per domain. Each question is scored from 0 (no difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). The domain score is determined by the highest response within that domain. If an assistive device or help from another person is required, the minimum score for that domain is 2 (unless the score is already ≥ 2). The total HAQ-DI score is calculated by summing the 8 domain scores and dividing by 8. The final score ranges from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: at baseline and after 3 months.
Sara Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed, Teaching Assistant at Faculty
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