2009 Volume 35 Issue 2 Pages 124-128
We assessed the clinical results for 22 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with 25 mg etanercept (ETN) for 3 months,once per week (half dose,11 patients) or twice per week (full dose,11 patients).We investigated the number of swollen and tender joints,C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration,disease activity score including a 28-joint count-CRP (DAS 28-CRP),and serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3),immediately before and after 3 months of treatment.In addition,serum levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP),anticalpastatin antibody (anti-Calp),and hyaluronic acid (HA) were measured in the half-dose group.
While there was a marked improvement in both groups as regards number of swollen and tender joints,CRP concentration,and DAS 28-CRP,there was an improvement in MMP-3 levels only in the full-dose group.In the half-dose group,there was no change in the serum levels of anti-CCP,anti-Calp,and HA.The findings of this study suggest that 25 mg ETN administered once per week yields clinical results similar to those for administration twice per week and that once weekly administration would enhance the cost-effectiveness of ETN treatment.
