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Comparative analysis of hematological changes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with different Janus
Soo Min Ahn1, Ji Seon Oh2, Yong-Gil Kim1
1Department of Rheumatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Objective:
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, comparative analyses regarding their adverse events remain limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of different JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib) on hematological parameters in patients with RA in a real-world setting.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis included 552 patients with RA treated with JAK inhibitors between August 2015 and February 2024. Hematological parameters, including absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet count, were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate changes over time, and logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with hematologic alterations.
Results:
The 552 patients were divided into three groups tofacitinib (n=264), baricitinib (n=143), and upadacitinib (n=145). No significant differences in baseline hematological parameters were observed across the groups. After 6 months, ANC decreased in all groups without significant differences among them (p=0.465). Patients receiving baricitinib had significantly higher platelet counts than those receiving tofacitinib (Pillai's trace value of 0.063, p<0.001) or upadacitinib (Pillai's trace value of 0.029, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that baricitinib was significantly associated with increased platelet counts (odds ratio, 2.009; 95% confidence interval, 1.212~3.331; p=0.007).
Conclusion:
Although all three JAK inhibitors reduced ANC, baricitinib was associated with a substantial increase in platelet counts. These findings highlight the differences in adverse effect profiles among JAK inhibitors, emphasizing the importance of tailored monitoring in RA management.
Insights
Baricitinib increased platelet counts in rheumatoid arthritis patients, while all Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors reduced neutrophil counts. This highlights differing adverse event profiles for JAK inhibitors in RA management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are crucial for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment.
- Comparative data on adverse events among different JAK inhibitors is limited.
- Real-world data on hematological effects of JAK inhibitors in RA is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the hematological effects of tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib in RA patients.
- To identify differences in adverse event profiles among these JAK inhibitors.
- To assess factors associated with hematologic alterations during JAK inhibitor therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 552 RA patients treated with JAK inhibitors.
- Assessment of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet count at baseline and 6 months.
- Statistical analysis including logistic regression for hematologic alterations.
Main Results:
- All JAK inhibitors reduced ANC without significant inter-group differences.
- Baricitinib significantly increased platelet counts compared to tofacitinib and upadacitinib.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed baricitinib's association with higher platelet counts.
Conclusions:
- While all JAK inhibitors reduce ANC, baricitinib uniquely elevates platelet counts.
- Differences in adverse event profiles necessitate tailored patient monitoring.
- Understanding these hematological differences is key for optimizing RA management.
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