Objective To observe the effect of combination of Chinese and western medicines on rheumatoid arthritis（RA） at active stage. Methods Totally 150 cases of RA at active stage were randomized into two groups. The control group was given western medicines including Leflunomide

Sulfasalazine suppository and Celecoxib. The treatment group （100 cases） was given Chinese medicines Sihua Siteng Sichong Decoction （Decoction of four flowers

flour stems and four worms） in addition to those western medicines. The course for two groups was 3 months respectively. Clinical symptoms

ESR

CRP

RF and Immuno hemoglobin before and after treatment were observed. Results Of the 100 cases in the treatment group

30 cases were remarkably effective

43 cases improved

20 cases effective

and 7 cases ineffective. The total effective rate was 93%. Of the 50 cases in the control group

8 cases were remarkably effective

20 cases improved

12 cases effective

and 10 cases ineffective. The total effective rate was 80%. The difference between the two groups was significant （P<0.05）. Conclusion The combination of Chinese and western medicines for rheumatoid arthritis at active stage was obviously effective.