Tocilizumab: Efficacy and Tolerance in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Current Practice

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate in “real life” the efficacy and the tolerance of Tocilizumab (TCZ) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study including patients with RA patients treated with TCZ at the commended dose of 8 mg/kg/ 4 weeks. The therapeutic response was evaluated by the EULAR DAS 28 ‐CRP/ VS at month 3 and month 6 of treatment.Results: RA was in most cases severe (76,5 %), seropositive (88,2 %) and erosive (81,3 %). TCZ was prescribed as an alternative to a previous biotherapy in 23 % of the patients and in monotherapy in 76, 5 % of the patients. After treatment follow-up at 3 and 6 months, the different parameters observed were significantly improved including: VAS (visual analogue scale) pain (p=0,000), CRP (mg/L) p=0,000), ESR (mmH1) (p=0,000), DAS 28 CRP (p=0,000), and DAS 28 ESR (p=0,000). Apart from a worsening of renal function in a patient contraindicated continuation of tocilizumab, no serious side effects were noted.Conclusion: Our study confirmed the efficacy and tolerance of TCZ therapy in Moroccan patients suffering from RA.Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, tocilizumab, efficacy, tolerance