The effects of leflunomide on clinical parameters and serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, MMP-1 and MMP-3 in patients with resistant rheumatoid arthritis

Leflunomide was clinically efficacious in this group of long standing resistant RA in an open study “real life” design. These results comply with those reported in previous clinical trials. Serum MMP-1, MMP-3, IL-10 and IL-6 levels decreased significantly. Despite high withdrawal rate, no serious adverse effects were recorded.