Biologics vs. Conventional DMARDs in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Joachim Listing, Anja Strangfeld, Rolf Rau, Jörn Kekow, Erika Gromnica-Ihle, Thilo Klopsch, Winfried Demary, Gerd-Rüdiger Burmester, Angela Zink
Primary Institution: German Rheumatism Research Centre, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
Do biologics improve remission rates in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to conventional DMARDs?
Conclusion
Biologics significantly increase the chance of achieving clinical and functional remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but sustained remission remains a challenge.
Supporting Evidence
- Biologics doubled the chance of remission compared to conventional DMARDs.
- 30.6% of patients on biologics achieved DAS28 remission with moderate disease activity.
- Sustained remission was achieved in less than 10% of patients.
- Severely disabled patients on biologics were more likely to achieve physical independence.
- Functional remission was more often achieved in biologics patients than controls.
Takeaway
This study shows that using newer medicines called biologics helps people with arthritis feel better and do more things, but not everyone gets better.
Methodology
Data from the German biologics register RABBIT was analyzed, comparing outcomes in RA patients treated with biologics versus conventional DMARDs.
Potential Biases
Patients treated with biologics had more severe disease, which could bias the results.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all RA patients as it focuses on those with multiple DMARD failures.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 to 75 years with rheumatoid arthritis, with a history of two or more DMARD failures.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006 for DAS28 remission; 0.007 for ARA remission
Confidence Interval
1.2–3.2 for DAS28 remission; 1.2–3.5 for ARA remission
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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