[How effective is rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis?: lessons learned from clinical practice]

Does experience with rituximab treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily clinical practice confirm the results of controlled randomized studies?

This is a retrospective data-analysis of the first 50 patients from one center with rituximab treatment for RA. The patients received at least one cycle of 2 rituximab infusions (1000 mg, respectively) within 2 weeks. Clinical assessment was performed 3-5 months after the first infusion.

The patients were older (mean age, 59 years) as compared to previously published controlled studies. The DAS28 was lower (5.5). The mean prednisolone dose was high (13.4 mg/d). The rheumatoid factor was positive in 88% of patients. Only six patients would have fulfilled inclusion criteria for controlled studies such as prednisolone dose

Rituximab proved to be effective, particularly when combined with methotrexate. Most patients differed considerably from those who had entered randomized controlled studies. Recently published German Rheumatology Society recommendations proved to be feasible as they reflect daily clinical practice. Results of controlled studies could be confirmed.