Improvement of laboratory parameters (CRP, ESR, IL6, and MMP-3) and clinical activity (VAS and Thompson score) with etanercept treatment (mean (SEM)). The Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used to compare changes over the course of treatment
| Time point | Before treatment | After 1 month | After 3 months | After 6 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *p<0.05 v baseline; **p<0.01 v baseline. | ||||
| Patients (n) | 26 | 24 | 22 | 19 |
| ESR (mm/1st h) | 66.5 (7.3) | 40.8 (5.8)** | 35.7 (5.3)** | 39.6 (9.0) |
| CRP (mg/l) | 52.4 (6.3) | 26.6 (5.7)** | 27.3 (6.7)** | 20.0 (5.5)** |
| IL6 (pg/ml) | 63.4 (24.0) | 19.0 (4.5)** | 33.5 (8.1) | 25.6 (5.7) |
| MMP-3 (ng/ml) | 109.2 (18.5) | 80.5 (11.3) | 71.3 (9.9)** | 66.1 (10.2)** |
| VAS (mm) | 60.9 (4.8) | 31.6 (4.7)** | 26.6 (6.3)* | 17.7 (4.7)* |
| Thompson score | 228.9 (28.2) | 123.5 (22.4) | 93.2 (24.0) | 70.5 (20.9) |