ABATACEPT in rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease. A multicenter study of 181 patients

Abstract

Background Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a severe extraarticular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives Our aim was to assess the efficacy of abatacept (ABA) in RA patients with ILD.

Methods Retrospective multicenter study of RA patients with ILD treated with ABA. ILD was diagnosed by HRCT. We have analyzed the following variables: a) 1-point change the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC); b) FVC improvement ≥10%; and improvement ≥10% in DLCO; c) radiological improvement in HRCT scan, d) changes in DAS28 score. Values were compared with baseline e) prednisone doses

Results We studied 181 patients (94women/87 men) with ILD associated to RA. The follow-up was 12.1[6.2-24.1] months. The mean age was 64.54 ± 9.7 years. The median to progression of ILD was 12 [3-43.75] months. 81 patients were treated in monotherapy, 100 patients in combination therapy. The most frequent pattern was UIP 45,3%.

The most of patients who did not have dyspnea remained asymptomatic.

See results in Figure1. DAS28 also improved. We appreciate a decrease in the dose of prednisone compared to the initial dose.

Conclusion ABA seems to be effective. However, should be verified in prospective and randomized studies.