RESUMEN
This study was conducted to investigate the predictive value of the initial response to methotrexate (MTX) on long-term patient-related outcomes (PROs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All RA patients starting MTX treatment between 1980 and 1987 in our department were enrolled in a prospective observational study. After an average of 18 years, patient-related outcomes were assessed in three dimensions according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Statistical analyses employed multivariable models with baseline values for age, gender, disease duration, rheumatoid factor positivity, disease activity, response to MTX after 1 year and continuous use of MTX as covariates. The 271 patients enrolled had a mean disease duration of 8.5 years, a mean number of swollen joints of 18 (out of 32), and a mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 55 mm/h. After 18 years, PRO was available in 89 patients (33 %). A clinical improvement of at least 20 % 1 year after the initiation of MTX was associated with a favourable outcome in all three dimensions of the ICF, independent of continuation of MTX (p < 0.05). The initial response to MTX is an independent predictor of PRO in RA as assessed after an average of 18 years.
Asunto(s)
Antirreumáticos/uso terapéutico , Artritis Reumatoide/tratamiento farmacológico , Metotrexato/uso terapéutico , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Artritis Reumatoide/diagnóstico , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the association of the degree of radiologic damage at baseline with long-term patient-related outcomes (PRO) in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: This prospective observational single-centre study (Ratingen, Germany) included all RA patients starting treatment with methotrexate (MTX) between 1980 and 1987. Standardised clinical evaluations and radiographs of hands and feet were obtained at baseline and during the following years. About 18 years later, patients were invited for a re-assessment. PRO were assessed in three dimensions according to the International Classification of Functioning and Disability (ICF). Statistical analyses comprised multivariable models using baseline values for radiologic damage of hands and feet, age, gender, disease duration, rheumatoid factor positivity, measures of disease activity, and response to MTX as covariates. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean disease duration was 8.5 years. The disease was active with a mean number of swollen joints of 18 (out of 32) and a mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 55 mm/hour. Radiologic damage was present in 95% of the patients. After 18 years, patient-related outcomes could be assessed in 78/271 patients (29%). Among chosen covariates, only the degree of baseline radiologic damage as measured by the Ratingen score was predictive of all long-term PRO (p<0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort including patients with severe RA, baseline radiologic damage was a good long-term predictor of PRO related to all three ICF dimensions.