Effectiveness and safety of anti-TNF in psoriatic arthritis patients in Brazil: a post-incorporation analysis

Abstract

Aim: Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that can result in disability and decreased quality of life. Materials & methods: A prospective cohort was conducted in Brazil. Disease activity was measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), functionality by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the quality of life by the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D). Results: In total, 122 patients were included. After 6 months, a median reduction of 2.03 in the BASDAI, 7.80 in the CDAI, 0.63 in the HAQ-DI and increase of 0.12 in the EQ-5D was observed. A good clinical response was observed in 45.5% of the patients by BASDAI and 54.5% by CDAI. Higher education and better quality of life were identified as predictors of effectiveness. The most common side effects were the infections. Conclusion: Anti-TNF-α drugs were effective and safe. The incorporation of them into the Brazilian Public Health System has provided therapeutic alternatives to the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.