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Factors Associated With Sustained Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients Treated With Anti-Tumor Necrosis
Philip Hamann1, Richard Holland2, Kimme Hyrich3
1University of Bath, Claverton Down, and Royal United Hospitals, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, UK.
Objective:
Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibody has revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and remission is now a realistic possibility for patients. Despite widespread use of anti-TNFs, predicting which patients are most likely to attain a sustained good response to these treatments remains challenging. Our objective was to undertake a systematic review of the literature to evaluate existing evidence for demographic and clinical factors associated with the achievement of sustained remission in individuals with RA treated with anti-TNF therapy.
Methods:
Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched along with studies identified from reference lists. Quality of studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. Meta-analysis was undertaken where unadjusted odds ratios were available for the same demographic or clinical factors from at least 3 studies.
Results:
Six studies were identified. Concomitant methotrexate use was associated with an increased likelihood of achieving sustained remission. Greater baseline disease activity, tender joint count, age, disease duration, baseline functional impairment, and female sex were associated with reduced likelihood of achieving sustained remission.
Conclusion:
Factors predicting sustained remission are seldom reported. Evidence identified in this review supports current recommendations for methotrexate coprescription and highlights the negative impact of particular clinical and demographic features on the likelihood of achieving optimal response to anti-TNF treatment. Sustained remission is clinically more relevant than point remission in RA. More widespread reporting of sustained remission will help clinicians set realistic expectations on likely long-term treatment efficacy and could be an important tool for identifying patients suitable for dose optimization.
Insights
Predicting sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is challenging. Concomitant methotrexate use improves outcomes, while higher disease activity and certain patient factors reduce the likelihood of sustained remission with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has transformed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, making remission achievable.
- Predicting sustained response to anti-TNF agents in RA patients remains a significant clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on demographic and clinical factors associated with sustained remission in RA patients treated with anti-TNF therapy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.
- Study quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa criteria, with meta-analysis performed where feasible.
Main Results:
- Concomitant methotrexate use was linked to a higher likelihood of sustained remission.
- Increased baseline disease activity, tender joint count, age, disease duration, functional impairment, and female sex were associated with a lower likelihood of sustained remission.
Conclusions:
- Findings support methotrexate co-prescription for RA patients on anti-TNF therapy.
- Specific demographic and clinical factors negatively impact the achievement of sustained remission, informing realistic treatment expectations and patient selection for dose optimization.
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