Baseline at start of the initial MTX monotherapy
| MTX+TNFi (n=71) | MTX+sDMARDs (n=97) | p Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAS28 (mean (SD)) | 5.41 (1.21) | 5.30 (1.39) | 0.64 |
| SDAI (mean (SD)) | 31.0 (14.5) | 30.3 (15.8) | 0.78 |
| MHAQ score (0–3) (median (IQR)) | 0.8125 (0.50–1.25) | 0.875 (0.375–1.281) | 0.77 |
| 28-SJC (median (IQR)) | 6 (4–12) | 8 (4–12.75) | 0.56 |
| 28-TJC (median (IQR)) | 8.5 (4.75–15.25) | 7.5 (3–13.75) | 0.31 |
| ESR (mm/h) (median (IQR)) | 27 (13–45.25) | 27.5 (16–46.25) | 0.70 |
| CRP (mg/l) (median (IQR)) | 17 (8–45) | 17.5 (6–38) | 0.61 |
| PhGA VAS (mean (SD)) | 46.0 (22.2) | 46.7 (19.5) | 0.83 |
| PGA VAS (mean (SD)) | 55.5 (24.9) | 53.7 (25.8) | 0.66 |
| Pain VAS (mean (SD)) | 53.9 (24.2) | 52.5 (23.5) | 0.72 |
| Fatigue VAS (mean (SD)) | 49.5 (31.2) | 48.2 (27.9) | 0.79 |
| SF-6D (mean (SD)) | 0.57 (0.12) | 0.55 (0.13) | 0.27 |
| SF-36 PCS (mean (SD)) | 28.4 (10.0) | 29.6 (9.5) | 0.44 |
| SF-36 MCS (mean (SD)) | 45.9 (11.9) | 43.1 (12.0) | 0.13 |
Independent samples t test or Mann–Whitney U test were applied as appropriate.
28-SJC and 28-TJC, 28-joint swollen and tender joint counts, respectively; CRP, C-reactive protein; DAS28, Disease Activity Score 28; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; MCS, mental components summary; MHAQ, Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire; MTX, methotrexate; PCS, physical components summary; PGA, Patient's global assessment; PhGA, Physician's global assessment; SDAI, Simplified Disease Activity Index; sDMARD, synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; SF-36, Short-Form Health Survey; TNFi, tumour necrosis factor inhibitor; VAS, Visual Analogue Scale (0–100 mm).