Prediction of long-term drug-free outcomes in ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis by combined clinical and ultrasound assessment of residual disease: a 5-year prospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To delineate, within the framework of current clinical practice and criteria, the sustainability of first-line immuno-suppressive treatment discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the impact of residual disease in remission on long-term drug-free (DF) outcomes.

Methods

RA patients, referring to the Pavia early arthritis clinic (EAC) between 2009 and 2021 and achieving remission after Disease Activity Score-driven methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, were recruited. Eligible patients underwent DF follow-up at 3-month intervals over 5 years after MTX discontinuation. Pre-selected clinical, serological and ultrasound (US) exposure variables at MTX withdrawal were analysed using multivariable Cox regression to predict time-to-flare.

Results

Of 761 EAC patien

SUBMITTER: Manzo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11781140 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature