TNF Blockers Well Tolerated in Juvenile Arthritis

August 31, 2008

e=1830367 & channelID=29

Ann Rheum Dis 2008;67:1145-1152.

Reuters Health - Aug. 28, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha blockers

infliximab and etanercept are well tolerated by patients with juvenile

idiopathic arthritis, but are associated with a variety of adverse events

(AEs) that make assiduous monitoring mandatory, Italian researchers report

in the August issue of ls of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Dr. V. Gerloni and colleagues at Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini, Milan

came to this conclusion after a prospective study of 95 patients who were

given etanercept and 68 who received infliximab.

Over the course of the 6-year open trial, a total of 208 treatments were

administered. There were a total of 71 AEs in 51 (62.9%) patients on

infliximab, leading to discontinuation in 26 (32.1%). In the etanercept

group, 133 AEs occurred in 69 (54.3%) patients, leading to discontinuation

in 18 (14.2%).

Thirteen of the patients who started on etanercept and 32 who started on

infliximab were eventually switched to the other therapy.

The greater proportion of AEs seen in infliximab patients, say the

investigators, was due to infusion reactions. These were seen in 38.3% of

this group.

Neuropsychiatric AEs were experienced by 12.5% of infliximab and 28.1% of

etanercept patients. Among other AEs were thrombocytopenia, new onset of

Crohn's disease and new onset or flare-up of chronic iridocyclitis. All were

reversible.

" From clinical experience, " the investigators conclude, " it appears TNF

alpha inhibitors are well tolerated overall, serious AEs are rare, and their

risk-benefit profile strongly favors benefit. "

Recommended Posts