Cardiovascular Safety of Tocilizumab Versus Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multi-Database Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

While tocilizumab (TCZ) is known to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, it is unclear whether TCZ increases cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to compare the cardiovascular risk associated with receiving TCZ versus tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi).

Methods

To examine comparative cardiovascular safety, we conducted a cohort study of RA patients who newly started TCZ or TNFi using claims data from Medicare, IMS PharMetrics, and MarketScan. All patients were required to have previously used a different TNFi, abatacept, or tofacitinib. The primary outcome measure was a composite cardiovascular end point of hospitalization for myocardial infarction or stroke. TCZ initiators were propens

SUBMITTER: Kim SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5573926 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature