Tofacitinib Versus Non-Tumor Necrosis Factor Biologics for Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

©2018 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved. ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to compare the disease status of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis after treatment with tofacitinib or non-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologics. Patients and methods: The study included a total of 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients (18 males, 32 females; mean age 68.3±1.3 years; range 42 to 92 years). We prospectively and randomly enrolled 25 patients for treatment with tofacitinib (Tofa group: 10 males, 15 females; mean age 68.3±2.0 years; range 42 to 92 years) and 25 for treatment with non-TNF biologics (non-TNF group: 8 males, 17 females; mean age 68.3±1.7 years; range 51 to 92 years). Mean disease activity score 28, C-reactive protein, Crohn’s disease activity index, health assessment questionnaire-disability index, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 values were recorded at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months. Results: There was a significant difference in the percent changes of disease activity score 28, C-reactive protein and Crohn’s disease activity index at every time point versus baseline in both treatment groups. Health assessment questionnaire-disability index was also significantly different at every time point in both groups except for at four months in the non-TNF group. Conclusion: Tofacitinib was well tolerated in active rheumatoid arthritis patients and exerted effects comparable to those of non-TNF biologics.