59
Views
2
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Shorter disease duration is important for tocilizumab to achieve Boolean remission

, , , , , , & show all
Pages 1192-1197 | Received 21 Aug 2012, Accepted 14 Dec 2012, Published online: 14 Jan 2014
 

Abstract

Objective To determine the optimal conditions for inducing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) into disease remission by tocilizumab (TCZ), we analyzed the TCZ therapy carried out in our facility.

Method The study group comprised 116 patients with RA who started TCZ therapy at Kobe University Hospital and Konan-Kakogawa Hospital. The clinical response to TCZ was evaluated by the 2011 Boolean definition and the disease activity score of 28 joints erythrocyte sedimentation rate 4 (DAS28-ESR4).

Results After 24 weeks of TCZ therapy, 25.9 % of the patients achieved a Boolean-defined disease remission (Boolean remission). DAS28-ESR4 was improved from 5.25 ± 1.15 at week 0 to 2.75 ± 1.34 at week 24 (mean ± SD, P < 0.0001), and 57.8 % patients achieved DAS28 remission. Analysis of the relationship between disease duration and remission showed that this odds ratio peaked at 3.0 years. Univariate analyses showed that Boolean remission was associated with baseline ESR levels, Steinbrocker’s class and stage, and patient global assessment of disease activity (PGA). Accordingly, we categorized and compared the patient groups referring to the 3.0-year peak. We found significant differences in Steinbrocker’s class and stage.

Conclusion TCZ therapy leading to Boolean disease remission is optimal when initiated less than 3.0 years after disease onset.

Conflict of interest

None.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

There are no offers available at the current time.

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.