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.