Certolizumab pegol in a heterogeneous population of patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis

Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a real-world setting. Materials & methods: Patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis who initiated therapy with certolizumab were followed for 12 weeks. Response was assessed with Disease Activity Score of 28 joints, European Ligue Against Rheumatism criteria and Simplified Disease Activity Index. Predictors of response were analyzed with binary logistic regression models. Results: Statistically significant decreases in tender and swollen joint counts, laboratory parameters and use of corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were found. Disease activity also significantly diminished. Higher Disease Activity Score of 28 joints at baseline was the main predictor of response. No severe adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Certolizumab was effective and well tolerated, particularly in the subpopulation with higher inflammatory burden at baseline.