[Treatment with megadoses of dexaven (dexamethasone) versus methypred (6-methylprednisolone) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Aim: To compare clinical effectiveness and tolerance of methylprednisolone (methypred) and dexamethasone (dexaven) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to estimate side effects and complications rate.

Materials And Methods: The trial included 31 patients with seropositive RA (27 females, 4 males) stage II and III. Dexaven pulse-therapy was given to 16 patients in a dose 2 mg/kg for 3 days, 15 patients received methypred in a classic dose 1000 mg for 3 days. Clinical response was assessed on day 1, 7 and 30 after the treatment.

Results: Both drugs significantly reduced severity of arthralgia, morning joint stiffness, number of inflamed joints, the disease activity diminished 2-3-fold. Side effects were minimal.

Conclusion: Dexaven (dexamethasone) is a drug of choice in pulse-therapy of RA. It is not inferior to routine treatment with methylprednisolone (methypred).