Table 1 Baseline characteristics of the cohort

Female/male (%)

73/27

Age (years)

53 (0.6)

Disease duration (years)

12 (0.4)

Rheumatoid factor positivity (%)

73%

Previous DMARDs (n)

3.9 (0.1)

Swollen joint count (n)

15.2 (0.4)

Tender joint count (n)

20.1 (0.6)

Serum CRP (mg/dL)

29.1 (1.6)

Patient's assessment of pain (VAS, 0--100 mm)

61.7 (1.0)

Patient's global assessment of disease activity (VAS, 0--100 mm)

63.7 (0.9)

Physician's global assessment of disease activity (VAS, 0--100 mm)

59.7 (0.9)

Health Assessment Questionnaire (score, 0--3)

1.6 (0.0)