[Perspective of ultrasound-guided strategy to reduce/discontinue biologics].
Biologics has revolutionized the treatment strategy of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and improved the clinical outcome. On the other hand, the medication cost of biologics has become a substantial socioeconomic burden. Researchers are now discussing the strategies to optimize the use of biologics, which include the dose reduction/discontinuation of biologics. A pilot study suggests that musculoskeletal ultrasound determines 'deep remission' and predicts relapse after discontinuation of biologics more accurately than does clinical assessment. The perspective of ultrasound-guided strategy to reduce/discontinue biologics is discussed.
Kei
K
Ikeda
Taro
T
Iwamoto
Hiroshi
H
Nakajima
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D017046:Cost Savings; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D013585:Synovitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D014463:Ultrasonography
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D000069285:Infliximab