title: Abatacept use in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence review and recommendations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the clinical evidence on abatacept and to formulate recommendations in order to clear up points related to its use in rheumatology.
  
  
  METHODS
  An expert panel of rheumatologists objectively summarized the evidence on the mechanism of action, practicalities, effectiveness and safety of abatacept, and formulated recommendations following a literature review. The level of evidence and degree of recommendation was established.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The document presents 21 statements focused on evidence or recommendations on abatacept (14 evidence summaries and 9 recommendations). The level of evidence was 2b or higher according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scale on 14 occasions. The degree of the recommendation was A in two recommendations, C in one, and D in the rest. It was considered important to make recommendations on aspects with lower levels of evidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is a practical document to supplement the summary of product characteristics.
authors: Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, España. emartinmola.hulp@salud.madrid.org
authors: Emilio
authors: E
authors: Martín Mola
authors: Alejandro
authors: A
authors: Balsa
authors: Víctor
authors: V
authors: Martínez Taboada
authors: Raimon
authors: R
authors: Sanmartí
authors: José Luis
authors: JL
authors: Marenco
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Navarro Sarabia
authors: Juan
authors: J
authors: Gómez-Reino
authors: José María
authors: JM
authors: Alvaro-Gracia
authors: José Andrés
authors: JA
authors: Román Ivorra
authors: Leticia
authors: L
authors: Lojo
authors: Chamaida
authors: C
authors: Plasencia
authors: Loreto
authors: L
authors: Carmona
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D000069594:Abatacept