Table 1 Characterization of the study cohort
Methotrexate group | Leflunomide group | Total study group | |
|---|---|---|---|
Total | n = 53 | n = 41 | n = 94 |
Women | n = 37 | n = 31 | n = 68 |
Men | n = 16 | n = 10 | n = 26 |
Age (years; mean ± SD) | 55.7 ± 13.6 | 53.6 ± 12.4 | 54.8 ± 13.0 |
Rheumatoid factor positive | 66 % | 61 % | 64 % |
ACPA positive | 58 % | 51 % | 55 % |
CRP (mg/L, mean ± SD) | 14.48 ± 24.25 | 15.81 ± 20.32 | 15.06 ± 22.00 |
ESR (mm/hour, mean ± SD) | 28.57 ± 25.52 | 26.34 ± 18.67 | 27.60 ± 22.69 |
DAS28 (mean ± SD) | 4.5 ± 1.1 | 4.2 ± 1.1 | 4.3 ± 1.1 |
DMARD naive | 89 % | 66 % | 79 % |
Corticosteroids | 79 % (n = 42) | 73 % (n = 30) | 77 % (n = 72) |
<5 mg | n = 17 | n = 15 | n = 32 |
5-10 mg | n = 25 | n = 15 | n = 40 |
Sharp Joint Space Narrowing Score (median ± SD) | 1.0 ± 0.9 | 1.0 ± 0.8 | 1.0 ± 0.9 |
Sharp Erosion Score (median ± SD) | 2.0 ± 1.0 | 2.0 ± 1.2 | 2.0 ± 1.1 |