Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the effects of the TNF-alpha antagonists etanercept and infliximab compared with placebo on disease activity and functional outcomes in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Authors' recommendations: The quality of the trials identified is high and the studies are suggestive of a beneficial effect of TNF-alpha antagonists in patients with severe active RA that does not respond to conventional RA treatment. The specific effects on independence and overall mobility were not reported. Treatment was, however, associated with a significant improvement in measures of functional status such as global assessment, pain, duration of morning stiffness, and quality of life. Long-term effects on autoantibodies and serious infections remain to be evaluated. Treatment with these drugs incurs a high direct cost to the NHS. Cost-effectiveness studies included in this review provide an estimate of the costs per patient successfully treated with etanercept or the costs of TNF-alpha antagonists to the NHS, but they do not provide a conclusion as to whether or not the treatment is considered cost-effective.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Bazian Ltd, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development