Article Text
Abstract
Objectives To assess efficacy and tolerability of infliximab (INF) in patients (pts) with RA depending on the presence of antibodies to INF (ATI) in the serum.
Methods Twenty-two pts with active RA despite methotrexate therapy (19 women, mean age 45,8 years, mean disease duration 9,2 years, RF-positive 17, mean CRP 22 mg/L, mean HAQ 1,5, mean DAS28 6) were treated in one center with INF (3 mg/kg intravenously at weeks 0, 2, 6 and every 8 weeks thereafter). Pts were assessed by EULAR criteria at weeks 0, 14 and 22; ATI were measured by TNFα-Bloker-ADA ELISA kit (Immunodiagnostik AG, Germany) at the same points. Correlations between clinical results and the presence of ATI were analyzed.
Results Before INF treatment no pt had ATI. Twenty pts completed the study. By the 22-nd week ATI were detected in 7 pts. Among them good results were registered in 2 pts; moderate results, 2 pts; no effect, 3 pts. Thirteen pts had no serum ATI. In this group clinical effect was assessed as good in 5 pts, and as moderate in 8 pts. No poor effect was noted among these pts. Positive (good and moderate) results were achieved in pts without ATI significantly more often (p=0,035). Frequency of adverse events was the same in both groups.
Conclusions Presence of ATI can be considered as a risk factor for the reduction of the INF clinical effect.
Disclosure of Interest None Declared