Interpretation of Safety and Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine Alone and Along with Methotrexate Combination in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several drugs for rheumatoid arthritis are available. Comparative studies of treatment with Hydroxychloroquine (against Methotrexate) reported a better quality of life. AIM: The study was designed to evaluate safety and efficacy of patient with rheumatoid arthritis when treated as combination therapy of Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine alone, a Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatoid Drug (DMARD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study which was conducted in rheumatology department in a tertiary care Hospital, Warangal, India. Patients who were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as per Guidelines of American College of Rheumatology aged between 18 and 60 years were recruited. First group patient were treated with Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg and second group patient were treated with combination of Methotrexate 7.5 mg and Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg. Simple Disease Activity Index criteria of improvement according to disease activity score 28 was considered as the primary efficacy variable. The Baseline and end of study values were evaluated. RESULT: After 3 months, improvement was noted in patient treated with Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine combination when compared to Hydroxychloroquine mono therapy alone. There was statistical significance in improvement of disease activity between the two groups (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The study concluded Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine combination therapy is more effective to Hydroxychloroquine therapyalone in efficacy of reducing disease activity in the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis.