RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Safety of Biologic Agents in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
JF The Journal of Rheumatology
JO J Rheumatol
FD The Journal of Rheumatology
SP jrheum.160012
DO 10.3899/jrheum.160012
A1 Atsuko Murota
A1 Yuko Kaneko
A1 Kunihiro Yamaoka
A1 Tsutomu Takeuchi
YR 2016
UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2016/08/29/jrheum.160012.abstract
AB Objective To clarify the safety of biologics in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Biologics were analyzed for safety in relation to age in 309 patients. Results Young (< 65 yrs old, n = 174), elderly (65–74 yrs old, n = 86), and older elderly patients (≥ 75 yrs old, n = 49) were enrolled. Although the incidence of adverse events causing treatment withdrawal was significantly higher in elderly and old elderly compared with young patients, no difference was found between elderly and older elderly patients. Pulmonary complications were independent risk factors. Conclusion Old patients require special attention, although the safety of biologics in those ≥ 75 years old and 65–74 was comparable.