Patterns of Biologic Agent Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Ogale Sarika, Hitraya Elena, Henk Henry J
Primary Institution: Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
Hypothesis
What are the patterns of biologic agent utilization among patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
Subsequent-line anti-TNF therapy cohorts had higher rates of discontinuation, dose escalation, and shorter time to discontinuation than first-line anti-TNF cohorts.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving subsequent-line anti-TNF therapy had higher rates of discontinuation compared to first-line therapy.
- Infliximab cohorts showed the highest percentage of dose escalation.
- The average time to discontinuation was significantly shorter for subsequent-line anti-TNF therapy.
Takeaway
This study looked at how patients with rheumatoid arthritis use biologic treatments. It found that patients often need to change their medication more frequently when they switch to a different type of treatment after the first one.
Methodology
The study used health care claims data to analyze the use of various biologic agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over a specified period.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may exist as patients were not randomly assigned to therapy.
Limitations
The study is based on claims data, which may not accurately reflect actual medication use or patient outcomes.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were aged 45 to 64 years, with a significant portion being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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