6 Jul 2024 • First-line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) were found to be safe and effective in rheumatoid arthritis patients with chronic kidney disease including those on hemodialysis.

• This study looked at 425 RA patients who started their first bDMARD treatment between 2004 and 2021 at two hospitals. Patients were grouped based on kidney function and type of bDMARD used (TNFαis, IL-6is, CTLA4-Ig). The main focus was on the 36-month drug retention rate, along with changes in disease activity and prednisolone dosage.

• Results showed that bDMARDs were generally well-tolerated, with IL-6is showing the highest retention rate and lowest discontinuation rate due to ineffectiveness (hazard ratio = 0.11), especially in patients with poor kidney function.

• IL-6is also proved to be more effective as standalone therapy compared to other bDMARDs.

Source:Annals of Rheumatic Diseases| Read full story