A combination of etanercept and methotrexate for the treatment of refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a pilot study.

Objective: To study the efficacy of combination therapy with etanercept and methotrexate in patients with refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Methods: Seven children with active juvenile idiopathic arthritis refractory to at least combination therapy with methotrexate and sulfasalazine or cyclosporin A were studied. Concomitant treatment, consisting of non-steroidal drugs, corticosteroids, and methotrexate, remained unchanged.