Abstract
Objective. To assess the utility of dose frequency adjustment of tocilizumab (TCZ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients who received TCZ at 3-week (n = 24) or 5-week (n = 61) interval were evaluated. Results. Disease Activity Score at 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the 3-week group significantly improved after 3 administrations at 3-week intervals (from 4.2 to 2.7, p = 0.001). Forty-five of the patients in the 5-week group (74%) successfully continued 5-week interval administration without disease exacerbation. Lower C-reactive protein level at TCZ initiation and shorter duration to remission achievement were key to successful dose frequency reduction. Conclusion. Adjusting the dose frequency of intravenous TCZ is a useful strategy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 553-557 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Rheumatology |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 May 1 |
Keywords
- Arthritis
- Rheumatoid
- Tocilizumab
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Rheumatology
- Immunology