title: A biologic pharmacosurveillance program for rheumatoid arthritis: a single-center experience.
abstract: We have reviewed the experience in a single center of a biologic register for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Over the past decade, the entry demographics show that we are treating patients at an earlier stage and with slightly less severe disease. Our outcomes measured by the percentage in DAS28 remission are comparable with national databases. We were surprised by the small number who were switched from their first biologic to a second (27 %), but this might reflect the lack of a firm "treat to target" approach. Our use of concomitant methotrexate/leflunomide is less than we would have liked and thought, but our use of concomitant corticosteroids is much less than normally seen. A single-center registry can provide useful monitoring and quality assurance data and stimulate change.
authors: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2S2, Canada. as.russell@ualberta.ca
authors: Anthony S
authors: AS
authors: Russell
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Mallon
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Conner-Spady
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Maksymowych
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000416:Alberta; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing / Q000379:methods; D012042:Registries; D012074:Remission Induction; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008727:Methotrexate
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