METHOTREXATE AND STATINS WITH METHOTREXATE ALONE IN THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining Atorvastatin with Methotrexate (MTX) versus Methotrexate monotherapy in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), focusing on disease activity, inflammation, and functional outcomes.

Methodology
A quasi-experimental trial was conducted at the Department of Rheumatology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), from 22^nd October to 31^st dece2024. A total of 100 patients aged 20–60 years with active RA were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received Methotrexate plus Atorvastatin (n=50), and Group B received Methotrexate alone (n=50). The follow-up duration was 10 weeks. Quantitative variables included age, BMI, disease duration, DAS28, CRP, ESR, VAS, and HAQ-DI scores, analyzed using SPSS version 26. Qualitative data included gender, morning stiffness, functional class, treatment compliance, and adverse effects.

Results
Both groups were comparable at baseline. At 10 weeks, Group A demonstrated significantly greater improvement in DAS28 scores (-2.1 ± 0.6 vs. -1.3 ± 0.5; p<0.001), CRP, ESR, VAS, and HAQ-DI scores (all p<0.001). No significant difference in adverse effects or compliance was observed between groups. The addition of Atorvastatin was well tolerated.

Conclusion
Atorvastatin, when added to Methotrexate therapy, significantly improved clinical and inflammatory outcomes in RA patients without increasing adverse effects. This suggests that statins may serve as effective adjuncts in RA treatment, especially for those with suboptimal response to standard DMARDs