SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON DMARDS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints with potential to lead to severe disability. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been central in managing RA, but their comparative effectiveness and safety profiles require systematic evaluation. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of DMARDs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE to identify studies published until December 2023. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of DMARDs in adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Results: The studies varied in terms of design, population, and DMARDs assessed. The majority demonstrated significant improvement in disease activity scores with biologic DMARDs compared to traditional synthetic DMARDs, though with an increased risk of adverse events. Conclusion: Biologic DMARDs show superior efficacy in controlling disease activity compared to synthetic DMARDs; however, they are associated with a higher incidence of adverse events. Further research is required to optimize individual patient management strategies.