Study of total glucosides of paeony combined with low dosage methotrexate on elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis

Objective It is to observe the curative effect and safety of total glucosides of paeony(TGP) combined with low dosage methotrexate on elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis(EORA).Methods 66 cases of activity EORA were randomly divided into two groups.34 cases in treatment group were treated with TGP two pieces three times a day and methotrexate 7.5 mg once a week.32 cases in control group were treated with methotrexate 15 mg once a week.The periods of treatment were both 24 weeks.Results The effective rates in experiment group at 6 weeks,12 weeks and 24 weeks were respectively 29%,61% and 79%,and that in control group were respectively 34%,66% and 78%.The efficacy of two group was near at 12 weeks and 24 weeks(P0.05).But treatment group were superior to control group at some index include ADL score,strength,index of joint tenderness and swelling (P0.05).The adverse effect rate in treatment group were fewer than that in control group(P0.05).Conclusion TGP combined with low dosage methotrexate is effective and safe scheme on elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis.