Treat-to-target strategy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Audit of adherence from real world clinical data

Introduction: The current paradigm of the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recommends achieving a state of remission or low disease activity through the treat-to-target strategy. Our study assesses adherence to this strategy.

Method: Patients with RA (ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria) were included. From each centre, 19 patients were randomly selected. Clinical histories (CH) were assessed by independent auditors, checking compliance with predefined quality criteria. The study was approved by ethics committees.

Results: We included 856 patients (mean age 54 years; 71% women). The use of a combined index (CI) was recorded in 61% of cases. Visits were recorded every 4 weeks using a CI in 4% of CH while attempts were made to achieve remission. Monitoring of disease activity every 6-8 months after reaching the target was recorded in 73% of cases.

Conclusions: The implementation of the treat-to-target strategy is barely recorded in patients with RA in routine clinical practice.