Spondyloarthropathy
Joan Bathon, M.D.Abstract 1835 Enbrel (Etanercept) in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis
P Mease, B Goffe, J Metz, A Vanderstoep Seattle, WA.
In this study, Mease et al enrolled 60 patients with psoriatic arthritis to assess the effects of Etanercept therapy in a 3-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were included based on the presence of psoriasis, greater than 3 swollen and tender joints, and an inadequate response to current therapy. NSAIDs, corticosteroids and methotrexate use were allowed. All other DMARDs, oral retinoids and topical treatments were discontinued. Patients were randomized to receive either Etanercept (25 mg 2x/week, n=30) or placebo injections (2x/week, n=30). Demographics and mean baseline arthritis activity were similar is both groups.
Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC) were used as the primary response criteria to assess patient response. Percent of patients achieving PsARC response was assessed at 1, 2, and 3-month timepoints.