[Treatment with megadoses of dexaven (dexamethasone) versus methypred (6-methylprednisolone) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

AIM: To compare clinical effectiveness and tolerance of methylprednisolone (methypred) and dexamethasone (dexaven) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to estimate side effects and complications rate.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The trial included 31 patients with seropositive RA (27 females, 4 males) stage II and III. Dexaven pulse-therapy was given to 16 patients in a dose 2 mg/kg for 3 days, 15 patients received methypred in a classic dose 1000 mg for 3 days. Clinical response was assessed on day 1, 7 and 30 after the treatment.

RESULTS

Both drugs significantly reduced severity of arthralgia, morning joint stiffness, number of inflamed joints, the disease activity diminished 2-3-fold. Side effects were minimal.

CONCLUSION

Dexaven (dexamethasone) is a drug of choice in pulse-therapy of RA. It is not inferior to routine treatment with methylprednisolone (methypred).