Response to methotrexate predicts long-term mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis independent of the degree of response: results of a re-evaluation 30 years after baseline.

Objectives: To assess if there is a correlation between the degree of response to treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and long-term mortality in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) established in Germany in the early eighties.

Methods: RA patients who had started MTX treatment between 1980 and 1987 were included. One year after baseline, the treatment response was evaluated.

Response to methotrexate predicts long-term patient-related outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.

This study was conducted to investigate the predictive value of the initial response to methotrexate (MTX) on long-term patient-related outcomes (PROs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All RA patients starting MTX treatment between 1980 and 1987 in our department were enrolled in a prospective observational study. After an average of 18 years, patient-related outcomes were assessed in three dimensions according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Radiologic damage at baseline predicts patient-related outcomes 18 years after the initiation of methotrexate therapy in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the association of the degree of radiologic damage at baseline with long-term patient-related outcomes (PRO) in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: This prospective observational single-centre study (Ratingen, Germany) included all RA patients starting treatment with methotrexate (MTX) between 1980 and 1987. Standardised clinical evaluations and radiographs of hands and feet were obtained at baseline and during the following years.

The positive influence of methotrexate on the mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is partly independent of its effect on disease activity: results of a re-evaluation 18 years after baseline.

Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is the anchor drug in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MTX shows effects on disease activity and mortality. However, it is unclear whether the effect of MTX on mortality depends on its effect on disease activity.