TY - JOUR T1 - Discontinuation of Canakinumab following Clinical Disease Remission Is Feasible in Patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis JF - The Journal of Rheumatology JO - J Rheumatol SP - 634 LP - 635 DO - 10.3899/jrheum.190011 VL - 47 IS - 4 AU - DESPOINA N. MARITSI AU - OLGA VOUGIOUKA AU - DESPINA ELEFTHERIOU Y1 - 2020/04/01 UR - http://www.jrheum.org/content/47/4/634.abstract N2 - To the Editor:The optimal duration of treatment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, especially systemic JIA (sJIA), is a major concern for parents and physicians alike. Innovative medicines have managed to control this otherwise potentially life-threatening condition1. However, questions remain regarding the duration and the best timing for cessation of treatment.We report the results of a retrospective study describing the longterm outcome of children with sJIA treated with the antiinterleukin (IL)-1β monoclonal antibody canakinumab. In these children, treatment was discontinued following sustained clinical remission; we aim to identify potential relapse-associated risk factors.This was a single-center retrospective case study conducted from January 2008 to January 2017 and including patients with sJIA (based on International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria)2 who had clinically inactive sJIA (clinical remission on medication/Wallace criteria)3 for at least 2 years with canakinumab. Patients were monitored for up to 4 years [median time 3.4 yrs, interquartile range (IQR) 2.4–3.7] following attempted canakinumab withdrawal (the study period began at the time of canakinumab withdrawal). Demographics, clinical, and laboratory variables were recorded at the study onset. We also collected data … Address correspondence to Dr. D. Maritsi, Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Second Department of Paediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. E-mail: dmaritsi{at}gmail.com ER -