Key clinical point: Patient physical function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of inflammation and damage at the time of treatment withdrawal (tWD) were independent predictors of flare at 6 and 12 months after tWD in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Major finding: At 6 and 12 months after tWD, a Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index score of >0.5 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.97; P = .0060 and aOR 5.09; P = .0048, respectively) and an MRI erosion score of >2 (aOR 2.81; P = .0176 and aOR 2.38; P = .0495, respectively) were independently associated with flare.
Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of phase 3b AVERT study involving 172 patients with early RA who achieved remission with methotrexate or abatacept at 1 year and entered a 12-month tWD period.
Disclosures: The study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb. The authors reported receiving grant/research funding and speaking and consulting fees from various sources, including Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Banerjee reported being employees or shareholders of Bristol Myers Squibb.
Source: Ahmad HA et al. Prediction of flare following remission and treatment withdrawal in early rheumatoid arthritis: Post hoc analysis of a phase IIIb trial with abatacept. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022;24:47 (Feb 16). Doi: 10.1186/s13075-022-02735-8