Older rheumatoid arthritis patients 'must take special care over safety of biologics'

Elderly patients with rheumatoidarthritis may require special care when treated with biologics to manage potential safety issues arising from the use of thesedrugs. This is according to a new study led by Keio University School of Medicine in Japan, which has provided evidence that those over the age of 65 may be at greater risk of negative reactions when prescribed biologic therapies. More adverse events leading to treatment withdrawal In order to clarify the safety of biologic therapies in elderly patients withrheumatoid arthritis, the researchers analysed the performance of biologics in relation to age among a cohort of 309 patients. Of these, 174 were below the age of 65, while 86 were designated as"elderly" (between the ages of 65 and 74 years) and a further 49 were classed as"older elderly" (aged 75 years or older). According to results published in the Journal of Rheumatology, the incidence of adverse events that resulted in treatment withdrawal was shown to be significantly higher in elderly and older elderly individuals compared to their younger counterparts. Those with pulmonary complications were at a higher risk of these adverse events occurring. The need for special attention This is an important consideration given that the emergence of biologic therapies has largely been seen as an important and broadly beneficial new treatment paradigm for people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it was also noted that there was no difference in the rate ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news