Favorable effect of very early disease-modifying antirheumatic drug treatment on radiographic progression in early inflammatory arthritis: Data from the étude et Suivi des Polyarthrites IndifféRenciées récentes (Study and Followup of Early Undifferentiated Polyarthritis)

摘要

While there is consensus that treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) should be started early in patients with inflammatory arthritis, confirmation that radiographic progression is inhibited with early treatment start is scarce. This study was undertaken to compare radiographic progression in patients treated with a DMARD very early in the course of their disease (within 3 months of diagnosis) and those who began DMARD treatment later.