Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Forty-two menstruating female patients recently diagnosed to have RA (mean age 35.4 years, mean disease duration 1.03 years) were enrolled in this study. Disease activity was assessed by Ritchie articular index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP); laboratory tests were done for deoxypyridinoline and bone alkaline phosphatase. Drug therapy was started in the form of a weekly MTX dose (range 10-15 mg). Patients were reassessed after 3 and 9 months for the same variables. No patient received steroids before or during the course of the study. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: In patients with RA bone metabolism is affected. In active disease, there was decreased bone formation, while bone resorption was increased. The therapy of weekly low dose MTX had improved bone resorption, suggesting that in patients with RA MTX might have a bone protective effect by controlling disease activity.
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Authors | Y M El Miedany, I H Abubakr, M El Baddini |
Journal | The Journal of rheumatology
(J Rheumatol)
Vol. 25
Issue 11
Pg. 2083-7
(Nov 1998)
ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada |
PMID | 9818648
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Amino Acids
- Biomarkers
- Isoenzymes
- deoxypyridinoline
- C-Reactive Protein
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Methotrexate
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Topics |
- Adult
- Alkaline Phosphatase
(metabolism)
- Amino Acids
(urine)
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(complications, drug therapy, metabolism, physiopathology)
- Biomarkers
- Blood Sedimentation
(drug effects)
- Bone Resorption
(enzymology, etiology, physiopathology, urine)
- Bone and Bones
(metabolism)
- C-Reactive Protein
(analysis)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Humans
- Isoenzymes
(metabolism)
- Methotrexate
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Severity of Illness Index
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