The effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis in our institution

Abstract

[Objectives] To assess the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with elderly rheumatoid arthritis who are aged 70 or over.
[Methods] Sixty-seven RA patients initiated TCZ in our institution from April 2008 to April 2015, and 58 of them continued TCZ for more than three months. We divided them into 2 groups; group A is under 70 years old (n=41), group B is 70 years old or higher (n=26). DAS28-ESR and CDAI were assessed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months. We investigated about adverse events (AEs) during the 12 months.
[Results] DAS28-ESR / CDAI after initiation of TCZ decreased as follows; A:5.07±1.31→2.86± 1.31(p<0.001)/18.58±11.25→8.57±6.34(p<0.001), B:5.55±1.08→2.47±1.07(p<0.001)/21.71±8.11→7.50±6.33 (p<0.001). There were no significant changes between groups on remission rate at 12 months. The incidence rates of AEs and serious AEs were A:73%/10%, B:93%/7% and there were no fatalities caused by AEs. Persistence rate at 12months was A:70.7%, B:88.5%.
[Conclusion] These data indicate that TCZ therapy is safe and effective even for elderly RA patients.