To analyse the data on infliximab administration (efficacy, tolerance, toxicity) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Russia by clinical evidence provided by the multicenter observation trial.
The register included 297 patients with a documented diagnosis of RA who had for the first time treated with infliximab. The efficacy of the drug was evaluated by EULAR criteria based on the dynamics of DAS28 index.
The results of infliximab treatment show good response of RA patients to standard courses of infliximab. A good/satisfactory effect by EULAR criteria was achieved in 80% patients to week 22 of therapy and in 85% to week 46. After 6-month (22 week) infliximab treatment a good effect was achieved in 15.7% patients, satisfactory--in 64.7%; 19.6% patients did not respond. Remission (DAS28 < 2.6 units) was achieved in 7% patients. Infliximab tolerance was satisfactory. Non-severe infusion reactions were most frequent unwanted effects. To treatment week 22, ten patients developed serious side effects causing the drug discontinuation.
The results of the Russian register confirm a high therapeutic potential and satisfactory tolerance of infliximab observed in real rheumatological practice of the treatment of severe RA. These results agree with those of European registers of infliximab.