Authors: Ji-Won Kim, Eunyoung A. Lee, Hyoun-Ah Kim, Chang-Hee Suh & Ju-Yang Jun
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to analyse the clinical features and outcomes of and reasons for discontinuing tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy in older patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Methods
Data were extracted from the nationwide Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics registry. Clinical variables and outcomes were compared, and drug retention rate was evaluated.
Results
Among 1524 patients with AS treated with TNF inhibitors, 306 were aged ≥ 50 years (‘older patients’). Fewer patients were male, the incidence of hypertension and diabetes was higher (all p < 0.001), and the proportion of peripheral arthritis (35.6 vs. 27.1%), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score‒erythrocyte sedimentation rate (4.0 ± 1.1 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (4.2 ± 2.6 vs. 3.3 ± 2.5) were all higher in older patients. Although the drug retention rate was lower (log-rank p = 0.018) and lack of efficacy and adverse events were more frequent in older patients (both p < 0.001), drug retention rates were not different after propensity score matching (log-rank p = 0.23). Improvements in disease activity and manifestations were comparable between groups, except for the incidence of peripheral arthritis, which decreased significantly less in older patients over 3 and 5 years.
Conclusion
Improvements in disease-related clinical factors and drug retention rates were not different between older and younger patients with AS receiving TNF inhibitors. However, the incidence of adverse events was higher in older patients.
Key Points |
Among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) receiving tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, those aged ≥ 50 years had peripheral arthritis more frequently and higher levels of inflammatory markers than younger patients. |
The efficacy and safety of TNF inhibitors was similar in patients with AS aged ≥ 50 and < 50 years. |
Retention rates for TNF inhibitors did not differ between patients with AS aged ≥ 50 and < 50 years. |