The prostecdtive efficacy of total glucosides of paeony combined with leflunomide in treating rheumatoid arthritis: A report of 40 cases

Objective: To investigate the prostecdtive efficacy of total glucosides of paeony(TGP)combined with leflunomide(LEF)in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods: Forty cases of RA were treated with TGP combined with LEF and followed up for 18 months.The registered indexes including the time of morning stiffness,the number of swelling joints,grip strength,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP)and blood rheumatoid factor(RF)were examined 8 weeks after treatment.The X-ray plates of 6-12 months after treatment were compared and analyzed.Results: After treatment,the registered indexes were greatly improved,while the degree of joints impairment was similar.TGP plus LEF was effective for treatment of RA with little side-effect.Conclusions: TGP combined with LEF can delay the progression of RA and provide protection for sclerotin and synovium of joint.