Survey: British Rheumatologists Prefer Methotrexate as First Line Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

British rheumatologists say they prefer methotrexate as their first line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, according to a survey reported in the August 15 on-line edition of Rheumatology.

Researchers in Birmingham, England sent surveys to British rheumatologists in May 2002, asking them which disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) they preferred to prescribe first and the most typical sequence of such drugs.

Of 331 surveys returned, 154 or 46.5 percent said they preferred methotrexate, followed by 144 or 43.5 percent favoring sulphasalazine. Seven or 5 percent the respondents said they used either of the two.

The most popular sequence of DMARDs was methotrexate or sulphasalazine, singly or in combination, followed by leflunomide, intramuscular gold and anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy, according to the survey.

"Methotrexate has displaced other DMARDs, especially sulphasalazine, as agent of first choice and newer agents have displaced older DMARDs," concluded the researchers. "Whether the expressed preference for particular DMARDs accurately reflects actual use, and is optimal in rheumatoid arthritis, remains to be determined."

Other sources: Rheumatology