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Long-term cyclosporin continuation rates in rheumatoid arthritis patients

N Carpentier1, P Bertin, M Druet-Cabanac

  • 1Rheumatology Department, Dupuytren Teaching Hospital, Limoges, France.

Revue Du Rhumatisme (English Ed.)
|June 25, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Cyclosporin therapy demonstrated a satisfactory continuation rate in rheumatoid arthritis patients, with 50% of patients remaining on treatment after 36 months. This finding suggests cyclosporin is a viable option for managing rheumatoid arthritis.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
  • Effective long-term management of RA often requires second-line therapies.
  • Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressive agent used in RA treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term continuation rate of cyclosporin therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of cyclosporin as a second-line treatment for RA.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective medical chart review of RA patients treated with cyclosporin.
  • Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine treatment continuation rates.
  • Efficacy assessed using visual analog scale for pain, Ritchie's articular index, and Lee's functional index.

Main Results:

  • 24 RA patients included, with a mean age of 58 years and 10 years of disease duration.
  • 87% had prior exposure to three second-line drugs before cyclosporin.
  • Mean treatment duration was 28 months; continuation rates were 75% at 4 months and 50% at 36 months.
  • Discontinuation reasons: 33% for toxicity, 13% for inefficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Cyclosporin therapy shows a satisfactory continuation rate in RA patients.
  • The continuation rate is comparable to other second-line RA medications.
  • Cyclosporin represents a viable long-term treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract

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