Improvement of C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) during DMARD treatments. Only matched courses entered into the analysis
| Reduction of CRP (mg/l) | Reduction of ESR (mm/1st h) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Mean (SEM) | tTest (p value) | No | Mean (SEM) | t Test (p value) | |
| *Changes of CRP in the LEF group: p=0.004 (paired t test); ESR: p=NS. | ||||||
| Leflunomide (LEF) | 129 | −6.0 (2.1)* | v MTX: p=0.45 | 146 | −1.4 (1.9) | v MTX: p=0.03 |
| Methotrexate (MTX) | 107 | −8.4 (2.4) | v SSZ: p=0.04 | 146 | −7.4 (2.0) | v SSZ: p=0.14 |
| Sulfasalazine (SSZ) | 98 | 6.0 (7.0) | v LEF: p=0.06 | 137 | −3.3 (2.0) | v LEF: p=0.49 |