Updated consensus statement on tumour necrosis factor blocking agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases (April 2001).
TNF blocking agents have proved to be effective DMARDs and they have been a major advance in the treatment of RA. Their use is expanding to other rheumatic diseases. However, rare to uncommon and unexpected toxicities have been found and others may yet be found during their use. Studies in selected areas of efficacy, toxicity, and general use of TNF blocking agents are needed to help further define the most appropriate use of these agents. Use of these drugs will require doctors experienced in the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of RA and other rheumatic diseases. These doctors will need to make long term observations of efficacy and toxicity. Further considerations which must be made when using TNF blocking agents in this disease include the cost and a recognition that data in subgroups are still being acquired. It is hoped that this statement, which is based upon the best evidence available at the time of its creation, and modified by expert opinion, will facilitate the optimal use of these agents for our patients with RA and other rheumatic diseases.
Furst
D E
DE
Arthritis Clinical Research Unit, Virginia Mason Research Centre, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
Keystone
E C
EC
Breedveld
F C
FC
Kalden
J R
JR
Smolen
J S
JS
Antoni
C E
CE
Burmester
G R
GR
Crofford
L J
LJ
Kavanaugh
A
A
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000075202:Contraindications; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D008727:Methotrexate