Decrease of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor following anti-TNFα therapy (infliximab) in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with clinical improvement. Issue 10 (10th September 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alessandri, C; Bombardieri, M; Papa, N; Cinquini, M; Magrini, L; Tincani, A; Valesini, G
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 63:Issue 10(2004)
• Page Start: 1218
• Page End: 1221
• Publication Date: 2004-09-10
• Subjects: ACR, American College of Rheumatology -- CCP, cyclic citrullinated peptide -- DMARD, disease modifying antirheumatic drug -- HCV, hepatitis C virus -- RF, rheumatoid factor; anti-CCP antibodies -- rheumatoid factor -- rheumatoid arthritis -- infliximab; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2003.014647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To investigate the effect of infliximab treatment on anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis not responding to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) received intravenous infliximab at a dose of 3 mg/kg at baseline and after two and six weeks, and subsequently bimonthly, in combination with methotrexate. Serum samples were collected at baseline and at week 24. A commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to test for anti-CCP antibodies; RF were detected using a quantitative nephelometric assay. Results: At baseline, 38 of the 43 patients (88%) were positive for anti-CCP antibodies, and 41 (95%) were positive for RF. The serum titre of anti-CCP and RF decreased significantly after six months of treatment (p = 0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). When the patients were grouped on the basis of their clinical response to infliximab, a significant decrease in serum anti-CCP antibodies and RF was observed only in patients who had clinical improvement (ACR 20 and ACR 50). Conclusions: Anti-TNFα treatment in rheumatoid arthritis results in a decrease in the serum titres of RF and anti-CCP antibodies in patients showing clinical improvement, suggesting that these measurements may be a useful adjunct in assessing treatment efficacy.