Objective: We aimed to assess the efficacy of abatacept in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice.
Methods: We examined 92 patients who received abatacept for 104 weeks. Analysis of radiographic efficacy was conducted using van der Heijde-modified total Sharp score (mTSS). Disease activity score was assessed using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) and simplified disease activity index (SDAI) by last observation carried forward.
Results: The change in mTSS was 0.61 at 52 weeks and 0.27 at 52-104 weeks. Structural remission occurred in 64.9% at 52 weeks and 76.6% at 104 weeks. The significant risk factors for joint damage progression at 52 weeks were prednisolone use, baseline C-reactive protein level (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as well as average DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR scores, SDAI, CRP, ESR, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) levels. The clinical remission rates were 47.8% by DAS28-CRP, 39.1% by DAS28-ESR, and 30.4% by SDAI at 52 weeks, were 59.8% by DAS28-CRP, 48.9% by DAS28-ESR, and 43.5% by SDAI at 104 weeks.
Conclusion: This study suggested efficacy of abatacept treatment in Japanese patient with RA for 104 weeks in daily clinical practice. Abatacept lead to suppress joint destruction for 104 weeks.
Keywords: Abatacept; Modified total sharp score; Rheumatoid arthritis; Structural remission.