Combination Antibiotic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Angela Smith, Caroline Doré, Peter Charles, Alena Vallance, Tara Potier, Charles Mackworth-Young
Primary Institution: Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology
Hypothesis
Is a combination of intravenous clindamycin and oral tetracycline effective in treating active rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
This antibiotic regime is unlikely to be a valuable therapy for active rheumatoid arthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- Two patients in the active group achieved an ACR20 response, while none in the placebo group did.
- There was a better ESR20 response in the placebo group.
- The trial was halted after an interim analysis showed no significant differences.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a combination of two antibiotics to see if they could help people with rheumatoid arthritis, but it didn't seem to work.
Methodology
Patients with active RA were randomized to receive either the antibiotic treatment or a placebo for 25 weeks, with assessments made at regular intervals.
Potential Biases
Patients were aware of their treatment allocation, which could introduce bias.
Limitations
The trial was halted early due to lack of significant differences between treatment groups.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 to 80 with active rheumatoid arthritis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
38 to 4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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