Sustained inhibition of progressive joint damage with rituximab plus methotrexate in early active rheumatoid arthritis: 2-year results from the randomised controlled trial IMAGE.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the IMAGEstudy, rituximab plus methotrexate (MTX) inhibited joint damage and improved clinical outcomes at 1 year in MTX-naïve patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess joint damage progression and clinical outcomes over 2 years.

Methods

Patients (n=755) were randomised to receive rituximab 2×500 mg+MTX, 2×1000 mg+MTX or placebo+MTX. The placebo-controlled period continued to week 104. Two-year end points were defined as secondary or exploratory and included change in total Genant-modified Sharp score (mTSS), total erosion score and joint space narrowing score from baseline to week 104. Clinical efficacy and physical function end points were also assessed.

Results

At 2 years, rituximab 2×1000 mg

SUBMITTER: Tak PP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3277723 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature