A biologic pharmacosurveillance program for rheumatoid arthritis: a single-center experience

We have reviewed the experience in a single center of a biologic register for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Over the past decade, the entry demographics show that we are treating patients at an earlier stage and with slightly less severe disease. Our outcomes measured by the percentage in DAS28 remission are comparable with national databases. We were surprised by the small number who were switched from their first biologic to a second (27 %), but this might reflect the lack of a firm "treat to target" approach. Our use of concomitant methotrexate/leflunomide is less than we would have liked and thought, but our use of concomitant corticosteroids is much less than normally seen. A single-center registry can provide useful monitoring and quality assurance data and stimulate change.