Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo 2013 Volume 141, Issue 7-8, Pages: 495-502
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH1308495I
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Etanercept therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: Efficacy and safety
Ilić Tatjana (Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad + Klinički centar Vojvodine, Klinika za nefrologiju i kliničku imunologiju, Novi Sad)
Milić Biljana (Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad + Klinički centar Vojvodine, Klinika za nefrologiju i kliničku imunologiju, Novi Sad)
Ćelić Dejan (Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad + Klinički centar Vojvodine, Klinika za nefrologiju i kliničku imunologiju, Novi Sad)
Vučković Biljana (Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad + Centar za laboratorijsku medicinu, Odeljenje za trombozu, hemostazu i hematološku dijagnostiku, Novi Sad)
Mitić Igor (Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad + Klinički centar Vojvodine, Klinika za nefrologiju i kliničku imunologiju, Novi Sad)
Introduction. Etanercept, tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) antagonist, lowers
the disease activity level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
reduces joint destruction saving physical functions and improving life
quality. Objective. The aim of this study was to establish efficacy and
safety of etanercept in combination with disease modifying antirheumatic
drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of RA. Methods. To patients with active RA,
who were on therapy with DMARD, etanercept was introduced in weekly doses of
50 mg, with continuation of DMARD. Efficacy of this form of treatment was
evaluated in the 12th week. Maintenance of the effect of treatment was also
evaluated during 24, 48 and 96 weeks. Long term evaluation of etanercept
safety was assessed by registering all unwanted events during a two year
period. Results. After 12 weeks of treatment with etanercept, 80% of patients
had ACR20 response, while 85% showed clinically significant decrease of
DAS28 index. We achieved remission in five patients (12.5%) and low activity
of RA in 17 patients (42.5%). During a 96week of followup period, achieved
therapy effects were maintained. In four patients (10%) etanercept therapy
was interrupted after 24 weeks because of inadequate response. In one of them
(2.5%) we recorded a cardiovascular incident. Acute infections were
registered in 47 cases. Four of those were severe infections. Neither cases
of malignancy development were noted, nor were there any lethal disease
outcomes. Conclusion. Etanercept in combination with DMARD shows a high level
of efficacy in the treatment of RA. The safety profile of the drug is
satisfactory.