Changes in Body Mass Related to the Initiation of Disease-Modifying Therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Unintentional weight loss is important and can be predictive of long-term outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to assess how primary therapies for RA may influence changes in body mass index (BMI) in RA patients from a large administrative database.

Methods

Unique dispensing episodes of methotrexate, prednisone, leflunomide, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) administered to RA patients were identified from the US Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacy databases. Values for C-reactive protein (CRP) level and BMI closest to the time point within 30 days of the treatment course start date and at follow-up time points were linked. Missing laboratory values were imputed. Weight loss was defined as a decrease in BMI of

SUBMITTER: Baker JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4963297 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature