Etanercept in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Long Term Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of erosive nature that tends to progress to juxta-articular destruction and ankylosis. The pathological events that lead to joint destruction are due, in part, to an enhanced expression of Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF). It has been shown that TNF-α blocking agents significantly reduce joint inflammation and slow down the progression of radiographic joint damage. Etanercept is a biological drug obtained through recombinant DNA techniques that acts by inhibiting the cellular response mediated by TNF. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of Etanercept in patients affected by active Rheumatoid Arthritis non- responsive to standard traditional therapies. All patients presented an improvement in the illness. Our study concords with the most recent data from literature that Etanercept acts rapidly and offers a quick and long-lasting reduction of illness activity, as well as an improvement in functional capability and quality of life in patients affected by active RA.