Anti-TNF Therapy Use Reduces Mortality Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Newswise — 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? (TNF?) 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 http://www.rheumatology.org/annual.