RESEARCH - Anti-TNF therapy use reduces mortality among RA patients

[Guest guest]

Embargoed For Release at 5:30 pm PT, Sunday Nov. 13, 2005

ANTI-TNF THERAPY USE REDUCES MORTALITY AMONG RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - Based on a large study, the use of anti-TNF

inhibitors and methotrexate may reduce mortality risks in rheumatoid

arthritis patients, according to research presented this week at the

American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego,

California.

Anti-TNF therapy combats the tumor necrosis factor a (TNF a) that leads to

bone and cartilage damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The ability

to suppress TNF proteins through the use of infliximab (Remicade),

etanercept (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira), and reduce the levels of joint

inflammation has led to their widespread use as a second-line therapy among

40 percent of this patient population. However, until completion of this

study, there was no evidence of an impact on mortality.

Researchers were able to examine a large scale sample following 19,580

rheumatoid arthritis patients over a total of 63,811 patient years. The

1,129 deaths that occurred in the sample population were then measured

according to an index of 13 medical conditions as well as demographics,

disease severity, sex, age, co-morbidity factors and treatment regimens.

Prednisone use appeared to lead to an increase in mortality rates. In

comparison, methotrexate and anti-TNF therapy was associated with a

reduction in mortality, primarily as pertains to cardiovascular disorders.

" It is well documented that rheumatoid arthritis patients have increased

mortality when compared to the general population, " indicates Kaleb

Michaud, MS, Research Fellow at the Center for Primary Care and Outcomes

Research, Stanford University Stanford, California as well as Senior Analyst

at the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases, Wichita, Kansas, and an

investigator in the study. " While these patients and their physicians should

continue to monitor and make sound and personalized decisions on their

prescribed therapies and monitor them appropriately, they should note that

the use of methotrexate and anti-TNF therapy improves survival. "

The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for

rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing,

preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and

musculoskeletal diseases. For more information on the ACR's annual meeting,

see www.rheumatology.org/annual.

http://www.rheumatology.org/press/2005/michaud.asp

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org