Characterisitcs of Patients Receiving Leflunomide, Methotrexate or Leflunomide Plus Methotrexate for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Real-Life Setting in Colombia

Abstract

A941for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability of conventional DMARDs, resulting in control of disease activity and improvement of functional disability. The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of leflunomide and methotrexate in patients with RA in a real-life cohort in Colombia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. We included patients receiving leflunomide or methotrexate as monotherapy or in combination. Clinical follow-up was designed by the authors according to DAS28; therapy had to be adjusted with DAS28 > 3.2 unless patient´s conditions don't permit it. We divided patients in two groups: remission-low disease activity (Rem/LDA) patients and moderate-severe disease activity (MDA/SDA). Descriptive epidemiology was done, percentages and averages were calculated; the mean of each variable was analyzed using t-Student and the level of disease activity was analyzed using Pearson´s statistics. Results: We included 3949 patients were 56% were receiving methotrexate in monotherapy, 21% received leflunomide in monotherapy and 23% received combined therapy. Mean age was 59 years ± 12 years old, 83% were female and 17% male. In the group of patients receiving only methotrexate 55% achieved remission and 18% LDA. In the group receiving only leflunomide 45% achieved remission and 20% LDA. Finally in the group receiving combined therapy 44% achieved remission and 19% LDA. There was statistical significance between disease activity and therapy. ConClusions: Leflunomide and/or methotrexate are effective for treatment of RA. In settings and countries like Colombia were there are limited resources the accurate use of this medications are a cost-effective option for disease management.