Patient-reported outcomes during treatment with tofacitinib

This study looked at patient reported outcomes during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with tofacitinib (Xeljanz). Patients receiving tofacitinib reported significant improvements after 3 months of treatment compared to patients receiving a placebo (substance with no effect on the body). 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients experience swelling of the joints. This can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, fatigue, lack of sleep and an overall reduced quality of life. Effectiveness and safety are the main factors when choosing a treatment option. Patient-reported outcomes are often more meaningful in the short term and should be taken into consideration.

Tofacitinib is a biological drug that can block the activity of certain enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It is known to reduce the signs and symptoms of RA, but more information on patient related outcomes may be helpful.

795 RA patients who previously had a poor response to at least one other treatment were included in this study. Patients were treated with either 5 mg or 10 mg of tofacitinib twice daily, or with a placebo. All participants were also treated with DMARDs (such as methotrexate). Patients reported on physical functioning and quality of life at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of treatment.

Patients receiving tofacitinib treatment reported significant improvements in disease activity, pain, sleep, fatigue and physical function compared to patients receiving placebo.

All aspects of quality of life measured were significantly higher in patients treated with 10 mg of tofacitinib compared to placebo treatment. Patients treated with 5 mg of tofacitinib scored significantly higher in all areas of quality of life except for emotional measures.

This study concluded that patients with RA treated with tofacitinib reported significant improvements in outcomes compared to those treated with placebo.

Treatment with placebo was halted in some patients at month 3 and altogether in month 6. A longer placebo treatment time would give more significant results for comparison.