[Perspective of ultrasound-guided strategy to reduce/discontinue biologics]

Nihon Rinsho. 2016 Jun;74(6):919-23.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / economics
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Biological Products / administration & dosage*
  • Biological Products / economics
  • Cost Savings
  • Cost of Illness
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Infliximab / administration & dosage
  • Infliximab / economics
  • Joints / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction
  • Synovitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Synovitis / drug therapy
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Infliximab