Efficacy and Safety of Anti-TNFα Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Alonso-Ruiz Alberto, Pijoan Jose Ignacio, Ansuategui Eukene, Urkaregi Arantxa, Calabozo Marcelo, Quintana Antonio
Primary Institution: Cruces Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Hypothesis
To analyze available evidence on the efficacy and safety of anti-TNFα drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusion
Anti-TNFα drugs are effective in RA patients, with similar results irrespective of the drug administered.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirteen trials met the inclusion criteria.
- The combined RR to achieve a therapeutic response was 1.81.
- NNT for ACR20 was 5.
- Patients receiving infliximab had higher dropout rates due to side effects.
- Etanercept and adalimumab showed similar effects to MTX.
Takeaway
This study shows that special medicines called anti-TNFα drugs help people with rheumatoid arthritis feel better and work just as well no matter which one you take.
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias indicated by funnel plot asymmetry.
Limitations
The number of trials fulfilling the required criteria was small and there was significant heterogeneity in some relevant aspects.
Participant Demographics
Included 7087 patients from 13 trials with varying disease duration and previous treatment responses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.43–2.29
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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