Low-dose prednisone inclusion in a methotrexate-based, tight control strategy for early rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized trial.

Background: Treatment strategies for tight control of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are highly effective but can be improved.

Objective: To investigate whether adding prednisone, 10 mg/d, at the start of a methotrexate (MTX)-based treatment strategy for tight control in early RA increases its effectiveness.

Design: A 2-year, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial (CAMERA-II [Computer Assisted Management in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis trial-II]).