Etanercept Treatment in the Early Course of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)
antagonist, etanercept, on the early clinical course of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
PMR is a common inflammatory disease with an unknown etiology that is characterized by
aching, tender, and stiff proximal muscle. Some evidence suggests that TNF plays a central
role in the pathophysiology of PMR.
The preferred treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) is adequate for most patients, but a
subset of patients have a more prolonged, relapsing disease course. These patients require
treatment with GCs for 1 to 2 years. GC related adverse events are frequent during treatment.