Clinical Observation of Effect of Methotrexate Combined with Zhengqingfengtongning in Treating Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Syndrome Differentiation

Objective To observe the effect of methotrexate(MTX)combined with Zhengqingfengtongning in treating active rheumatoid arthritis(RA)based on syndrome differentiation.Methods 104patients who have been differentiated as syndrome of wind dampness stagnation and syndrome of blood stasis were randomized into 2 groups,52patients in the treatment group were treated with MTX plus Zhengqingfengtongning,while 52patients in the control group were only administered with MTX orally.The therapeutic course for both groups was 12 weeks.The effect,clinical symptoms,signs and changes in biochemical examination results of the respective groups were observed for comparison.Results Compared to the control group,the clinical symptoms and signs were relieved earlier in the treatment group with biochemical examination results showing positive response to treatment.The total effective rate was 69%,81%,96%in the treatment group,and 44%,63%,87%in the control group at 4,8,and 12weeks after treatment respectively.Comparing the therapeutic effect between the two groups showed significant difference(P0.05).Comparing the therapeutic effect between the two syndromes in each group showed significant difference(P0.05).Conclusion MTX plus Zhengqingfengtongning treatment is characterized by quick initiating,with stable clinical efficacy and few side effects.It is better than MTX treatment alone,especially suitable for Syndrome of wind dampness stagnation.