Annals of the rheumatic diseases
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a phase II, dose-finding, double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled study.
To assess the safety and efficacy of secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal anti-interleukin-17A antibody, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ ACR20 response rates differed between secukinumab 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg doses and placebo; however, the primary efficacy endpoint was not achieved. Greater decreases in DAS28 were observed with secukinumab 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg than placebo. There were no unexpected safety signals and no specific organ-related toxicities. Further trials with secukinumab in the treatment of RA are warranted.
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To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). ⋯ In common practice, the use of rituximab in pSS is mostly restricted to patients with systemic involvement. This prospective study shows good efficacy and tolerance of rituximab in patients with pSS and systemic involvement.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Steroid injection for inferior heel pain: a randomised controlled trial.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The aim of this study was twofold: to compare steroid injection with placebo injection and to compare ultrasound guided with unguided steroid injection in the management of this condition. ⋯ In this study, steroid injection showed a clear benefit over placebo at 6 weeks and this difference was maintained at 12 weeks. Trial Registration No ISRCTN79628180 (www.controlled-trials.com).
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Similar response rates in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis after 1 year of treatment with etanercept: results from the ESTHER trial.
We assessed whether there is a difference to etanercept (ETA) treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with non-radiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA) patients with a disease duration <5 years. ⋯ The response rate to TNF-blockers does not differ between AS and nr-axSpA if the baseline data regarding symptom duration and disease activity are similar for the two groups.