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Infliximab treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies in one rheumatological center: two years drug survival
Rheumatology International, 10/14/09

Levälampi T et al. – The aim of the present study was to determine the drug survival during 2 years’ follow-up in patients (n = 104) with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthropathy (SpA) who were treated with infliximab as their first biological anti-rheumatic drug in a single rheumatological center.During the 2-year follow-up, 60% discontinued infliximab treatment, mainly due to unsatisfactory or waning efficacy or a severe adverse event.

Methods

According to national guidelines, infliximab was added to treatment with combinations of traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD)
Patients’ records analyzed at baseline and after 2 y of follow-up
Response to treatment determined inadequate if response lower than ACR50 (American College of Rheumatology 50) in RA or reduction of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was lower than 50% or 2 cm in SpA

Results

Drug survival in infliximab-treated patients after 2 years 40%, and among those who continued with therapy the prednisolone dose has been reduced by 52%
Discontinuation rate 60% during 2 y of follow-up, where 7% achieved remission and 22% of patients were regarded as poor responders
As much as 24% of patients discontinued due to adverse event, mainly infections and hypersensitivity reactions
Two drug-related leukopenias diagnosed
Infliximab therapy initiated in RA or SpA patients who had active disease despite ongoing treatment with combinations of DMARDs
Drug survival with infliximab 40% after 2 y of follow-up
During 2-year follow-up, 60% discontinued infliximab treatment, mainly due to unsatisfactory or waning efficacy or severe adverse event

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