Efficacy and safety of humanized interleukin-6 receptor antibody in treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab) in treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen sJIA patients admitted between December 2015 and November 2016 and received tocilizumab treatment were enrolled in the study. The complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and ferritin levels were measured; American College of Rheumatology Pediatric(ACR Pedi)30/50/70/90 scores were assessed; and the use of glucocorticosteroid and adverse events were documented.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the baseline levels, the CRP and ESR at d3 were decreased (all<0.05); hemoglobin was increased and platelet was decreased at week 2 (all<0.05), ferritin decreased at week 4, white blood cell (WBC) decreased at week 8 after treatment with tocilizumab (all<0.05). The level of IL-6 was rising at d3 and week 2 and descending at week 4, but no significant difference was observed compared with the baseline level (all>0.05). All 13 patients achieved ACR Pedi 30 remission at week 4, 61.5% achieved ACR Pedi 90 remission and glucocorticosteroids were withdrawn at week 20. Twenty two adverse events occurred, and infection accounted for 54.5% (12/22); no severe adverse reactions were observed during 20-week follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tocilizumab is safe and effective in treatment of sJIA, with decreasing inflammation, improving disease activity and reducing glucocorticosteroid use.</p>