Tocilizumab controls bone turnover in early polymyalgia rheumatica

This study explores changes in the bone homeostasis by testing N-terminal collagen type I extension propeptide (PINP) marker for osteo-formation and carboxy-terminal region of (CTX-I) osteo-resorption patients taking tocilizumab polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Twenty were included prospective open-label TENOR (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01713842) received three monthly infusions, followed corticosteroids starting at week (W) 12. PINP CTX-I tested inclusion (W0), after but before steroid initiation (W12), end protocol (W24) compared to healthy controls. Information regarding disease activity, mineral density using scanographic attenuation correlation (SBAC), inflammatory parameters interleukin (IL)-6 levels collected during follow-up patients. PMR characterised a reduction higher level relative controls matched age sex baseline. increased W12 (P < 0.001, versus W0) following introduction decreased W24 = W0). Such modifications explain altered observed between W0 (r 0.255 r 0.641 controls) its correction treatment 0.760 0.767 W24). Finally, greater whose circulating IL-6 therapy. Control turnover, part through inhibition axis, is subsequent PMR.