Abatacept Reduces Structural Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Genant H K, Peterfy C G, Westhovens R, Becker J-C, Aranda R, Vratsanos G, Teng J, Kremer J M
Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco
Hypothesis
Does abatacept inhibit the progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients with inadequate response to methotrexate?
Conclusion
Abatacept has a sustained effect that inhibits progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis over two years.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of patients treated with abatacept had no progression of structural damage after 2 years.
- Mean change in total Genant-modified Sharp scores was reduced from 1.07 units in year 1 to 0.46 units in year 2.
- 66% of patients had no progression in the second year compared to 56% in the first year.
Takeaway
Abatacept helps people with rheumatoid arthritis by slowing down the damage to their joints over time.
Methodology
539 patients received abatacept in an open-label extension of the AIM trial, with radiographic assessments at baseline, year 1, and year 2.
Potential Biases
Radiographic assessments were blinded to treatment allocation, reducing bias.
Limitations
The study may have underestimated progression of structural damage in patients who withdrew from the placebo group due to lack of efficacy.
Participant Demographics
Patients were at least 18 years old with rheumatoid arthritis for at least 12 months and had an inadequate response to methotrexate.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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