Rituximab for Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Ho Ling Yin Mok, Chi Chiu, To Chi Hung Mak, Anselm Cheung, Mei Yuk Yu, Ka Lung
Primary Institution: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hypothesis
To study the efficacy of rituximab in active rheumatoid arthritis patients refractory to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.
Conclusion
Rituximab is effective and well tolerated in patients with refractory RA.
Supporting Evidence
- 60% of patients achieved EULAR moderate-to-good response.
- Half of the patients achieved ACR20 response.
- Significant drop in tender joint count and swollen joint count at week 24.
Takeaway
Rituximab helps people with severe arthritis who didn't get better with other treatments.
Methodology
Patients received intravenous rituximab infusions at a dose of 1000 mg on days 1 and 15, with assessments every four weeks.
Limitations
The study lacked a placebo group.
Participant Demographics
10 patients (8 women and 2 men) with a mean age of 49 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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