[Methotrexate treatment before use of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis : Analysis of guideline compliance].

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the introduction of biologics the treatment landscape for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has rapidly expanded; however, according to German and European treatment guidelines the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) is only indicated after insufficient response under methotrexate (MTX) doses of at least 20 mg/week (first-line treatment). The aim of the study was to analyze the guideline compliance of MTX prescription in the outpatient sector prior to treatment with biologics.

Material and methods

Claims data from the AOK Lower Saxony from 2013 to 2016 were provided for all insured patients with a diagnosis of RA and bDMARD prescription during the study period. Within a patient-specific observational period of 180 days prior t

SUBMITTER: Pardey N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10495498 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature