Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: RESULTS: Fifty patients were included: 30 had inadequate response to anti- TNF-alpha and 20 had contraindication to anti-TNF-a drugs. EULAR response was observed in 82%, good response in 36% (including remission in 12%), moderate response in 46%, and no response in 18%. One infusion-related reaction and 2 pulmonary infections occurred. Eleven of the 50 patients (22%) experienced flare and received retreatment with rituximab at 6 months. Thirty additional patients had flare after 6 months and the median delay for retreatment among the 41 responders was 9 (range 6 24) months. No difference regarding efficacy or tolerance of rituximab was observed according to previous inadequate response or contraindication to anti-TNF. CONCLUSION: A single cycle of rituximab, in combination with continued methotrexate, provided significant improvement in disease activity at Week 24, with good tolerance, in patients with severe and active RA despite anti- TNF-alpha agents and/or with contraindication to these drugs, in this daily practice study.
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Authors | Noémie Assous, Laure Gossec, Phillippe Dieudé, Olivier Meyer, Maxime Dougados, Andre Kahan, Yannick Allanore |
Journal | The Journal of rheumatology
(J Rheumatol)
Vol. 35
Issue 1
Pg. 31-4
(Jan 2008)
ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada |
PMID | 18176989
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antirheumatic Agents
- Immunologic Factors
- Rituximab
- Methotrexate
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Topics |
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(administration & dosage)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antirheumatic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(drug therapy)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors
(administration & dosage)
- Male
- Methotrexate
(therapeutic use)
- Middle Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Rituximab
- Treatment Outcome
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