For Release at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday Nov. 10
For More Information, Contact Kelley Sheahan, [email protected] or (404) 633-3777 until Nov. 5
(619) 525-5635 Nov. 6-12
Common Arthritis Drug Cuts Premature Death Rate in Half
Methotrexate, prescribed by rheumatologists for decades, reduces the risk of death from rheumatoid arthritis complications by up to 50 percent, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology National Scientific Meeting Nov. 8-12 in San Diego, Calif. Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects 1 percent of the adult population. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling in many joints and, unlike osteoarthritis, often strikes at an early age. In its most severe form, it is associated with a shortened life span.
Researchers examined records of nearly 2,000 patients over a 25-year period, who were on any combination of six different DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), including methotrexate. Controlling for disease severity and other variables, the researchers found that those patients on methotrexate alone had half the mortality hazard as the average patient in the group. "Methotrexate is an effective RA treatment, but whether it or any other DMARD actually improves long-term outcomes has not been clearly determined," said lead investigator Frederick Wolfe, MD, of Witchita, Kansas. "This demonstrates that methotrexate does, in fact, alter the course of rheumatoid arthritis."
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. For more information on this meeting, see http://www.rheumatology.org/educ/nm98/nm98.html.
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