Objective: To discuss the clinical effects of Xuanbi Xiaotong decoction combined with methotrexate tablets in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with damp heat stagnation syndrome

and to observe its influence on anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CPP)

antifilaggrin antibody (AFA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Method: Ninety-five patients with RA disease were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group by a digital method. Patients in both groups took 7.5-20 mg methotrexate tablets once weekly

7.5-15 mg meloxicam once daily. Patients in the control group added 2 pieces of total glucosides of white paeony capsules orally thrice daily. Patients in the observation group added Xuanbi Xiaotong decoction. All patients received 4 months of treatment. The joint time of morning stiffness

rest pain (visual analogue scales)

joint tenderness number

swelling index (including 28 joints)

swollen joint index

hands grip and healthy activity of life quality (HAQ) changes were recorded. Levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

C reactive protein (CRP)

rheumatoid factor (RF)

anti-CPP

AFA

TNF-α were detected before and after therapy. Result: The curative effect of the observation group was superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment

improvements including joint time of morning stiffness

rest pain

joint tenderness number

swelling index

swollen joint index

HAQ and hands grip in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.01). Levels of ESR

CPR and RF in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Levels of anti-CCP

AFA and TNF-α in the observation group were inferior to those in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: On the basis of methotrexate tablets therapy

adding Xuanbi Xiaotong decoction could reduce clinical symptoms and signs

control disease activity

lighten RA bone and cartilage damages. Its clinical effect is superior to using paeony capsules alone.