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A Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial of Abatacept (CTLA‐4Ig) for the Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis
Author(s) -
Langford Carol A.,
Cuthbertson David,
Ytterberg Steven R.,
Khalidi Nader,
Monach Paul A.,
Carette Simon,
Seo Philip,
Moreland Larry W.,
Weisman Michael,
Koening Curry L.,
Sreih Antoine G.,
Spiera Robert,
McAlear Carol A.,
Warrington Kenneth J.,
Pagnoux Christian,
McKin Kathleen,
Forbess Lindsy J.,
Hoffman Gary S.,
Borchin Renée,
Krischer Jeffrey P.,
Merkel Peter A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
arthritis and rheumatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.106
H-Index - 314
eISSN - 2326-5205
pISSN - 2326-5191
DOI - 10.1002/art.40044
Subject(s) - medicine , abatacept , prednisone , randomization , discontinuation , placebo , giant cell arteritis , adverse effect , clinical endpoint , randomized controlled trial , surgery , vasculitis , rituximab , alternative medicine , disease , pathology , lymphoma
Objective To compare the efficacy of abatacept to that of placebo for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods In this multicenter trial, patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing GCA were treated with abatacept 10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1, 15, and 29 and week 8, together with prednisone administered daily. At week 12, patients in remission underwent a double‐blinded randomization to continue to receive abatacept monthly or switch to placebo. Patients in both study arms received a standardized prednisone taper, with discontinuation of prednisone at week 28. All patients remained on their randomized assignment until meeting criteria for early termination or until 12 months after enrollment of the last patient. The primary end point was duration of remission (relapse‐free survival rate). Results Forty‐nine eligible patients with GCA were enrolled and treated with prednisone and abatacept; of these, 41 reached the week 12 randomization and underwent a blinded randomization to receive abatacept or placebo. Prednisone was tapered using a standardized schedule, reaching a daily dosage of 20 mg at week 12 with discontinuation in all patients at week 28. The relapse‐free survival rate at 12 months was 48% for those receiving abatacept and 31% for those receiving placebo ( P = 0.049). A longer median duration of remission was seen in those receiving abatacept compared to those receiving placebo (median duration 9.9 months versus 3.9 months; P = 0.023). There was no difference in the frequency or severity of adverse events, including infection, between the treatment arms. Conclusion In patients with GCA, the addition of abatacept to a treatment regimen with prednisone reduced the risk of relapse and was not associated with a higher rate of toxicity compared to prednisone alone.