Etanercept in children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Article Abstract:
The drug etanercept appears to be beneficial in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This drug blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor, which is an inflammatory protein produced in the body. Researchers randomly assigned 51 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to receive subcutaneous injections of etanercept or a placebo twice a week for up to four months. Over 80% of the children receiving etanercept improved, compared to 28% of those receiving a placebo. The drug had minimal side effects. Etanercept is sold under the trade name Enbrel.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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A comparison of etanercept and methotrexate in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Article Abstract:
Subcutaneous injections of etanercept may be more effective than methotrexate in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study of 632 people. Etanercept is a form of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor that blocks the activity of TNF.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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Methotrexate in resistant juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: results of the U.S.A. - U.S.S.R. double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Article Abstract:
Low doses of methotrexate may be an effective and safe treatment for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints, and other symptoms such as a rash and fever. Of 114 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 38 were treated with 10 milligrams (mg) of oral methotrexate per square meter of body-surface area per week, 37 were treated with 5 mg of oral methotrexate per square meter of body-surface area per week, and 39 received a placebo, an inactive substance. Twenty-four children (63%) in the low-dose (10 mg) group showed improvement, compared to 12 (32%) in the very-low-dose (5 mg) group, and 14 (36%) in the placebo group. Patients treated with a low-dose of methotrexate had a significant reduction in the number of joints in pain during movement and the severity of pain, compared to patients who received a placebo. None of the children taking either dose of methotrexate had severe side effects.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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