Inhibitory effect of tacrolimus on progression of joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. (20th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Motomura, Hiraku; Matsushita, Isao; Seki, Eiko; Mine, Hayato; Kimura, Tomoatsu
• Is Part Of: International journal of rheumatic diseases. Volume 17:Number 7(2014)
• Page Start: 747
• Page End: 752
• Publication Date: 2013-11-20
• Subjects: Rheumatology -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Asia -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Rheumatic Diseases -- Periodicals; Connective Tissue Diseases -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.723
• DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.12227
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-1841

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="apl12227-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="apl12227-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To examine the inhibitory effect of tacrolimus on radiographic joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p> </sec> <sec id="apl12227-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Thirty‐eight patients with RA resistant or intolerant to conventional disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs were administered tacrolimus and analyzed retrospectively. Disease activity and clinical response were evaluated by Disease Activity Score in 28 joints and C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. The progression of joint destruction was evaluated by an estimated yearly change in modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS).</p> </sec> <sec id="apl12227-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Good or moderate response rate according to EULAR response criteria was seen in 63.2%, 63.2%, 73.7% and 65.8% of patients at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The rate of patients with low disease activity or remission reached 47.3% and 50.0% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Progression of joint damage, evaluated as yearly change in mTSS (ΔmTSS), significantly decreased from 11.4 at baseline to 2.63 in the first year and 0.69 in the second year of tacrolimus treatment.</p> </sec> <sec id="apl12227-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>These findings suggest tacrolimus has the potential to inhibit progression of joint damage in established RA.</p> </sec> </abstract>