Patterns of biologic agent utilization among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The role of biologic therapies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has expanded, but dosing patterns in the first versus subsequent lines of therapy have not been thoroughly explored.

Methods

In order to describe patterns of biologic agent utilization among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, health care claims data on use of abatacept, rituximab, or the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab in first- or subsequent-line settings were used to form patient cohorts. Variables included: starting dose (first administration or fill), maintenance dose (third administration or fill), average dose, dose escalation, inter-infusion interval, and discontinuation (gap in therapy > 60 days or switch). Time to discontinuation was ass

SUBMITTER: Ogale S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3184114 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature