Patient characteristics at study entry.
| Characteristic | DMARD, n = 10 | Anakinra, n = 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Women/men | 5/5 | 6/6 |
| Age, mean (SD) yrs | 39 (17) | 39 (18) |
| Duration of disease, mo, median (range) | 19 (3–204) | 14 (2–240) |
| CRP, mg/l, mean (range) | 25 (0.2–116) | 25 (0.5–104) |
| Ferritin, μg/l, mean (range) | 186 (17–680) | 354 (18–1740)* |
| ESR, mm/h, mean (range) | 17 (1–37) | 24 (5–84) |
| White blood cell count, mean (range) | 13.2 (7.4–21.4) | 10.6 (3.6–22.4) |
| Platelet count, mean (range) | 298 (234–417) | 355 (158–573) |
| Physician global, mm, mean (range) | 21 (2–43) | 21 (6–45) |
| Patient global, mm, mean (range) | 28 (0–65) | 25 (3–60) |
| Swollen joints, mean (range) | 2 (0–10) | 2 (0–13) |
| Tender joints, mean (range) | 3 (0–14) | 4 (0–20) |
| Fever, n (%) | 1 (10) | 1 (8) |
| Rash, n (%) | 8 (80) | 9 (75) |
| Prednisolone dose, mg, mean (range) | 18.5 (10–25) | 22.5 (10–60)* |
| Drug therapy (patients on drug) | MTX 6, AZA 3, LEF 1 | anakinra 12 |
↵* Significant difference (p < 0.001). CRP: C-reactive protein; ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate; MTX: methotrexate; AZA: azathioprine; LEF: leflunomide; DMARD: disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.