RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Updated consensus statement on the use of rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 909
OP 920
DO 10.1136/ard.2010.144998
VO 70
IS 6
A1 Maya H Buch
A1 Josef S Smolen
A1 Neil Betteridge
A1 Ferdinand C Breedveld
A1 Gerd Burmester
A1 Thomas Dörner
A1 Gianfranco Ferraccioli
A1 Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
A1 John Isaacs
A1 Tore K Kvien
A1 Xavier Mariette
A1 Emilio Martin-Mola
A1 Karel Pavelka
A1 Paul P Tak
A1 Desiree van der Heijde
A1 Ronald F van Vollenhoven
A1 Paul Emery
A1 for the Rituximab Consensus Expert Committee
YR 2011
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/70/6/909.abstract
AB Background Since initial approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), rituximab has been evaluated in clinical trials involving various populations with RA. Information has also been gathered from registries. This report therefore updates the 2007 consensus document on the use of rituximab in the treatment of RA. Methods Preparation of this new document involved many international experts experienced in the treatment of RA. Following a meeting to agree upon the core agenda, a systematic literature review was undertaken to identify all relevant data. Data were then interrogated by a drafting committee, with subsequent review and discussion by a wider expert committee leading to the formulation of an updated consensus statement. These committees also included patients with RA. Results The new statement covers wide-ranging issues including the use of rituximab in earlier RA and impact on structural progression, and aspects particularly pertinent to rituximab such as co-medication, optimal dosage regimens, repeat treatment cycles and how to manage non-response. Biological therapy following rituximab usage is also addressed, and safety concerns including appropriate screening for hepatitis, immunoglobulin levels and infection risk. This consensus statement will support clinicians and inform patients when using B-cell depletion in the management of RA, providing up-to-date information and highlighting areas for further research. Conclusion New therapeutic strategies and treatment options for RA, a chronic destructive and disabling disease, have expanded over recent years. These have been summarised in general strategic suggestions and specific management recommendations, emphasising the importance of expedient disease-modifying antirheumatic drug implementation and tight disease control. This consensus statement is in line with these fundamental principles of management.