In a nutshell
This study investigated whether tocilizumab (Actemra) treatment improves work productivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They found that house workers treated with tocilizumab were more productive and better quality of life compared to patients taking synthetic disease-modifying drugs.
Some background
One of the most debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reduced capacity to take part in activities of daily life. This includes people who engage in paid work or those that are house workers.
Tocilizumab is an antibody that blocks an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-6 (Il-6) from binding to its receptor. It is administered intravenously (directly into the vein) or subcutaneously (directly into the layer underneath the skin).
Tocilizumab reduces disease activity in RA; however, it is unclear if this leads to improvements in work productivity.
Methods & findings
This study included 497 students with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were assigned to receive tocilizumab, synthetic disease-modifying drugs (csDMARDs), or a combination of both. Follow-up assessment was performed at 52 weeks. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires to analyze work productivity.
Work impairment scores were reduced overall; however only house workers treated with tocilizumab reported a significant improvement in productivity. Tocilizumab-treated house workers also reported improvements in quality of life scores compared to csDMARD-treated patients. Paid workers treated with tocilizumab had similar work impairment and quality of life scores compared to csDMARDs.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that house workers treated with tocilizumab were more productive and had better quality of life compared to patients taking synthetic disease-modifying drugs.
The fine print
Paid workers and house workers may have differences in what is considered ‘work impairment’. For some patients, some daily activities may require more energy or mobility than others. This study did not take this into account; so it remains to be seen if tocilizumab improves work impairment. This study was conducted in a Japanese population so the requirements for daily productivity may vary in other regions.
This study was funded by Chugai Pharmaceutical, one producer of tocilizumab.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding daily activities and rheumatoid arthritis treatment please consult with your physician.
Published By :
Arthritis Research & Therapy
Date :
Jul 20, 2018
