Treatment of psoriatic arthritis with anti-TNF agents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy, effectiveness and safety

Rheumatol Int. 2014 Oct;34(10):1345-60. doi: 10.1007/s00296-014-3006-2. Epub 2014 Apr 13.

Abstract

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of the anti-TNF drugs adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab used in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) adult treatment. Additionally, we present results of anti-TNF use in real life settings. We searched Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central and LILACS, from inception to 11/08/2013, for studies comparing anti-TNFs with each other or with controls. We included nine randomized controlled trials and six observational studies. ACR20, ACR50, PsARC and PASI75 responses were achieved by more users of anti-TNF than control after up to 24 weeks of treatment. More participants who used etanercept and infliximab achieved ACR70. After all patients originally randomized to anti-TNF or placebo had used anti-TNF for at least 24 weeks, we observed difference only with regard to ACR70 response. Radiographic end points were achieved by more patients in anti-TNF group, and they seem to be time dependent-the longer patients use the drug the better the results. Etanercept and infliximab had worse results on application site reactions, but in general anti-TNF drugs in the regimens studied were as safe as control/placebo. There seems to be no difference in efficacy and effectiveness among anti-TNFs, but superiority head-to-head studies are still needed. Meanwhile, other factors should be taken into account in the choice of medication, such as costs and patient convenience.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / drug therapy*
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Infliximab
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • golimumab
  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept