To clarify the differences in MRI findings between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with Certolizumab pegol (CZP) and Infliximab (IFX).
The study included RA patients who received CZP or IFX, and were examined with low-field MRI (compacTscan; cMRI) at the beginning and again within 6 months of treatment initiation. Comparisons were made regarding background, clinical course, and differences in MRI findings following initiation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors between the CZP and IFX treatment groups. MRI findings were evaluated by scoring erosion, bone marrow edema (BME), and synovitis.
Ten cases in CZP and 18 cases in IFX group were compared. The biologic DMARDs-naïve rate in the IFX group was significantly higher than in the CZP group. After 6 months, disease activities were significantly decreased from baseline in both groups. Erosion score did not change significantly in both groups after 6 months. BME score was significantly decreased in the CZP group after 6 months, whereas in the IFX group there was no significant change. Synovitis score was significantly decreased in both groups after 6 months.
The findings of our study suggest that, in patients with RA, CZP might improve BME more effectively than IFX.