Effect of monotherapy with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or glucocorticoids on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis of 64 treatment arms from 31 randomized controlled trials | Synapse
March 22, 2026
Effect of monotherapy with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or glucocorticoids on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis of 64 treatment arms from 31 randomized controlled trials
Key Points
This research aims to compare the effects of different treatments on joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
Conducted a network meta-analysis of 64 treatment arms from 31 randomized controlled trials.
Included comparisons of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids.
Focused on radiographic progression as a key outcome measure.
Confirmed that csDMARDs, methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine have better effects than placebo.
Demonstrated inhibitory effects of the mentioned drugs on joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract
Our study confirms that the present routine csDMARDs, methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, have inhibitory effects more favourable than placebo on joint destruction in RA.