scholarly journals Effect of icosapent ethyl on progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with elevated triglycerides on statin therapy: final results of the EVAPORATE trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (40) ◽  
pp. 3925-3932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Budoff ◽  
Deepak L Bhatt ◽  
April Kinninger ◽  
Suvasini Lakshmanan ◽  
Joseph B Muhlestein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Statin Therapy ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Acid Ethyl Ester ◽  
Plaque Volume ◽  
Icosapent Ethyl ◽  
Diabetes Status ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Aims Despite the effects of statins in reducing cardiovascular events and slowing progression of coronary atherosclerosis, significant cardiovascular (CV) risk remains. Icosapent ethyl (IPE), a highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester, added to a statin was shown to reduce initial CV events by 25% and total CV events by 32% in the REDUCE-IT trial, with the mechanisms of benefit not yet fully explained. The EVAPORATE trial sought to determine whether IPE 4 g/day, as an adjunct to diet and statin therapy, would result in a greater change from baseline in plaque volume, measured by serial multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), than placebo in statin-treated patients. Methods and results A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients had to have coronary atherosclerosis as documented by MDCT (one or more angiographic stenoses with ≥20% narrowing), be on statin therapy, and have persistently elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. Patients underwent an interim scan at 9 months and a final scan at 18 months with coronary computed tomographic angiography. The pre-specified primary endpoint was change in low-attenuation plaque (LAP) volume at 18 months between IPE and placebo groups. Baseline demographics, vitals, and laboratory results were not significantly different between the IPE and placebo groups; the median TG level was 259.1 ± 78.1 mg/dL. There was a significant reduction in the primary endpoint as IPE reduced LAP plaque volume by 17%, while in the placebo group LAP plaque volume more than doubled (+109%) (P = 0.0061). There were significant differences in rates of progression between IPE and placebo at study end involving other plaque volumes including fibrous, and fibrofatty (FF) plaque volumes which regressed in the IPE group and progressed in the placebo group (P < 0.01 for all). When further adjusted for age, sex, diabetes status, hypertension, and baseline TG, plaque volume changes between groups remained significantly different, P < 0.01. Only dense calcium did not show a significant difference between groups in multivariable modelling (P = 0.053). Conclusions Icosapent ethyl demonstrated significant regression of LAP volume on MDCT compared with placebo over 18 months. EVAPORATE provides important mechanistic data on plaque characteristics that may have relevance to the REDUCE-IT results and clinical use of IPE.

scholarly journals Effect of icosapent ethyl on progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with elevated triglycerides on statin therapy: a prospective, placebo-controlled randomized trial (EVAPORATE): interim results

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Budoff ◽  
Joseph B Muhlestein ◽  
Deepak L Bhatt ◽  
Viet T Le Pa ◽  
Heidi T May ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statin Therapy ◽  
Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Fibrous Plaque ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Atherosclerosis Progression ◽  
Icosapent Ethyl ◽  
Calcified Plaque ◽  
High Triglyceride

Abstract Aims Though statin therapy is known to slow coronary atherosclerosis progression and reduce cardiovascular (CV) events, significant CV risk still remains. In the REDUCE-IT study, icosapent ethyl (IPE) added to statin therapy reduced initial CV events by 25% and total CV events by 30%, but its effects on coronary atherosclerosis progression have not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, this study is to determine whether IPE 4 g/day will result in a greater change from baseline in plaque volume measured by serial multidetector computed tomography than placebo in statin-treated patients. Methods and results EVAPORATE is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients had to have coronary atherosclerosis by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) (≥1 angiographic stenoses with ≥20% narrowing), on stable statin therapy with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels 40–115 mg/dL, and persistently high triglyceride levels (135–499 mg/dL). Patients underwent an interim scan at 9 months and were followed for an additional 9 months with CCTA at 0, 9, and 18 months. Here, we present the protocol-specified interim efficacy results. A total of 80 patients were enrolled, with 67 completing the 9-month visit and having interpretable CCTA at baseline and at 9 months (age = 57 ± 6 years, male = 36, 63%). At the 9-month interim analysis, there was no significant change in low attenuation plaque (LAP) between active and placebo groups (74% vs. 94%, P = 0.469). However, there was slowing of total non-calcified plaque (sum of LAP, fibrofatty, and fibrous plaque) (35% vs. 43%, P = 0.010), total plaque (non-calcified + calcified plaque) (15% vs. 26%, P = 0.0004), fibrous plaque (17% vs. 40%, P = 0.011), and calcified plaque (−1% vs. 9%, P = 0.001), after adjustment by baseline plaque, age, sex, diabetes, baseline triglyceride levels, and statin use. Conclusion EVAPORATE is the first study using CCTA to evaluate the effects of IPE as an adjunct to statin therapy on atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in a high-risk CV population with persistently high triglyceride levels. It provides important mechanistic data in regards to the reduction in CV events in the REDUCE-IT clinical trial. ClinicalTrials. govIdentifier NCT029226027.

scholarly journals Effects of Fermented Milk Containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Shirota on Constipation in Patients with Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2238
Author(s):  
Xiaomei Zhang ◽  
Shanbin Chen ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Fazheng Ren ◽  
Yimei Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fermented Milk ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Factor Α

Probiotics have been shown to benefit patients with constipation and depression, but whether they specifically alleviate constipation in patients with depression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), formerly Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on constipation in patients with depression with specific etiology and gut microbiota and on depressive regimens. Eighty-two patients with constipation were recruited. The subjects consumed 100 mL of a LcS beverage (108 CFU/mL) or placebo every day for 9 weeks. After ingesting beverages for this period, we observed no significant differences in the total patient constipation-symptom (PAC-SYM) scores in the LcS group when compared with the placebo group. However, symptoms/scores in item 7 (rectal tearing or bleeding after a bowel movement) and items 8–12 (stool symptom subscale) were more alleviated in the LcS group than in the placebo group. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores were all significantly decreased, and the degree of depression was significantly improved in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. The LcS intervention increased the beneficial Adlercreutzia, Megasphaera and Veillonella levels and decreased the bacterial levels related to mental illness, such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Sutterella and Oscillibacter. Additionally, the interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05). In particular, the IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the LcS group than the placebo group after the ingestion period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the daily consumption of LcS for 9 weeks appeared to relieve constipation and improve the potentially depressive symptoms in patients with depression and significantly decrease the IL-6 levels. In addition, the LcS supplementation also appeared to regulate the intestinal microbiota related to mental illness.

scholarly journals Domperidone and maternal milk volume in mothers of premature newborns

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tengku Ellya Fazilla ◽  
Guslihan Dasa Tjipta ◽  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Pertin Sianturi
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Maternal Milk ◽  
Premature Newborns ◽  
Breast Milk Production ◽  
Days Of Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Milk Volume

Background Mothers of premature newborns often have difficulty giving adequate breast milk volume to their infants. Domperidone is an antagonist of peripheral dopamine receptors and believed to increase breast milk production. In Indonesia, no study has been done to date on the effect of domperidone on maternal milk production in mothers of premature newborns.  Objective To evaluate the effect of domperidone on milk production in mothers of premature newborns who failed to lactate.Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted from July to December 2012 in the Perinatology Unit, Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. Mothers of premature newborns were given lactation counseling for 7 days in order to increase their milk production. Mothers who failed to lactate after that time were enrolled in the study. Fifty subjects were assigned to receive either domperidone or a placebo for 7 days. Milk volume was measured every 2 hours (from 7 am to 9 pm), in the 24 hours before starting therapy, and on the 7th and 10th days (the 10th day being 3 days after stopping therapy). Results This study involved 25 mothers in the domperidone groups and 25 others in placebo group. After 7 days of therapy, mean breast milk volume was significantly higher in the domperidone group than in the placebo group  [181.6 (SD 80.2) vs. 72.4 (SD 57.8) mL, respectively; 95%CI of differences 69.36 to 148.93; P=0.0001]. At day 10, breast milk production remained significantly higher in the domperidone group. Furthermore, in the domperidone group, no significant difference in mean breast milk volumes was noted between the 7th and 10th days (P=0.65). Conclusion In mothers of premature newborns who failed to lactate, domperidone therapy for 7 days causes significantly higher milk production compared to placebo. 

scholarly journals Randomised Double-Blind Trial of Combination Antibiotic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Smith ◽  
Caroline Doré ◽  
Peter Charles ◽  
Alena Vallance ◽  
Tara Potier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Active Treatment ◽  
Active Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Acr20 Response ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective. A combination of intravenous clindamycin and oral tetracycline has been used for many years as a treatment for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), despite the absence of good evidence for its efficacy. A single-blind pilot study of this therapy suggested that a double-blind placebo-controlled trial was warranted.Methods. Patients with active RA were randomised in a 2 : 1 ratio to receive active treatment or placebo for 25 weeks. The active treatment consisted of intravenous clindamycin in a reducing regime, and oral tetracycline twice daily three times a week. 50 patients were to be recruited. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving an ACR20 response.Results. An interim statistical analysis was performed after 20 patients had completed the study. Two patients in the active group achieved an ACR20 response, with none in the placebo group (NS). There was a better ESR20 response in the placebo group (P=.02). There were no other significant differences between the groups. The results indicated that it was unlikely that a significant difference in ACR20 response would emerge if the remaining 30 patients were recruited. The trial was therefore halted.Conclusion. This antibiotic regime is unlikely to be a valuable therapy for active rheumatoid arthritis.

scholarly journals The Effects of Lavender and Citrus aurantium on Anxiety and Agitation of the Conscious Patients in Intensive Care Units: A Parallel Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Zahra Karimzadeh ◽  
Mansooreh Azizzadeh Forouzi ◽  
Elham Rahiminezhad ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadinejad ◽  
Mahlagha Dehghan
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Citrus Aurantium ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Recovery Processes ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Conscious patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) suffer from anxiety and agitation for various reasons, which can affect their recovery processes. Aims. To compare the effects of lavender and Citrus aurantium essential oils on anxiety and agitation of conscious patients admitted to ICUs. Design. A randomized parallel placebo-controlled trial. Methods. One hundred and fifty conscious patients admitted to ICUs were selected by convenience sampling and were randomly divided into three groups, groups of lavender aromatherapy and Citrus aurantium aromatherapy, in addition to the routine care and inhalation of five drops of lavender or Citrus aurantium essential oils for 30 minutes. The placebo group, in addition to routine care, was provided with 5 drops of normal saline for 30 minutes. Anxiety was assessed with the state subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and agitation was examined with Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale before, immediately, one hour, and three hours after the intervention. Results. All three groups suffered from relatively severe state anxiety before the intervention. The level of anxiety in the lavender and Citrus aurantium groups was significantly lower than that of the placebo group immediately and three hours after the intervention ( P < 0.05 ). No significant difference was observed between the two groups of lavender and Citrus aurantium. The majority of the samples in all three groups were agitated before the intervention, but agitation of all three groups decreased after the intervention. Restless/agitation reduced significantly in all three groups. Although restless/agitation of the lavender and Citrus aurantium groups reduced more than that of the placebo, no significant difference was found between the three groups. Conclusion. The results of the present study showed the positive effects of lavender aromatherapy and Citrus aurantium aromatherapy on reducing the anxiety of patients admitted to ICUs. Relevance to Clinical Practice. Aromatherapy can be used as an effective and safe intervention to reduce anxiety in ICUs.

scholarly journals Perioperative rifaximin is not associated with enhanced functional and volumetric recovery after major liver resection

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bednarsch ◽  
Zoltan Czigany ◽  
Sven H. Loosen ◽  
Lara Heij ◽  
Lorenz Ruckgaber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Function ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Major Hepatectomy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Liver Volume ◽  
Relative Increase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of rifaximin on the course of liver function, liver regeneration and volumetric recovery in patients undergoing major hepatectomy. The ARROW trial was an investigator initiated, single-center, open-label, phase 3 RCT with two parallel treatment groups, conducted at our hepatobiliary center from 03/2016 to 07/2020. Patients undergoing major hepatectomy were eligible and randomly assigned 1:1 to receive oral rifaximin (550 mg twice daily for 7–10 or 14–21 days in case of portal vein embolization preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively) versus no intervention. Primary endpoint was the relative increase in postoperative liver function measured by LiMAx from postoperative day (POD) 4 to 7. Secondary endpoint were the course of liver function and liver volume during the study period as well as postoperative morbidity and mortality. Between 2016 and 2020, 45 patients were randomized and 35 patients (16 individuals in the rifaximin and 19 individuals in the control group) were eligible for per-protocol analysis. The study was prematurely terminated following interim analysis, due to the unlikelihood of reaching a significant primary endpoint. The median relative increase in liver function from POD 4 to POD 7 was 27% in the rifaximin group and 41% in the control group (p = 0.399). Further, no significant difference was found in terms of any other endpoints of functional liver- and volume regeneration or perioperative surgical complications following the application of rifaximin versus no intervention. Perioperative application of rifaximin has no effect on functional or volumetric regeneration after major hepatectomy (NCT02555293; EudraCT 2013-004644-28).

Apixaban Reduces Hospitalization In Patients With Venous Thromboembolism: An Analysis Of The AMPLIFY-EXT Trial

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3638-3638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianchen Liu ◽  
John Thompson ◽  
Hemant Phatak ◽  
Jack Mardekian ◽  
Anthony R. Porcari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with a considerable risk for morbidity and recurrence and related hospitalizations. In the Apixaban after the Initial Management of Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis with First-Line Therapy-Extended Treatment (AMPLIFY-EXT) trial, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 12 months of treatment, two doses of apixaban (2.5 mg and 5 mg, twice daily) versus placebo significantly reduced symptomatic recurrent VTE or all-cause death without increasing the rate of major bleeding among 2,482 VTE patients who had completed 6-12 months of anticoagulation therapy. In this study, the effects of apixaban therapy versus placebo on medical hospitalization during AMPLIFY-EXT trial were evaluated. Methods A total of 2,477 patients who received study drugs were included in the analysis. All-cause hospitalizations during the trial were captured by dedicated case report forms. Outcomes of interest were; rate of hospitalizations and time from randomization to the first hospitalization. Patients were censored at either death, loss to follow-up, or end of study, whichever came first. Effects of treatment with apixaban versus placebo on the rates of hospitalization were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results During a mean follow-up of 12.3 months, 138 patients were hospitalized at least once, 62 (7.5%/year) in the placebo group (n=826), 42 (4.8%/year) in the apixaban 2.5 mg group (n=840), and 34 (4.0%/year) in the apixaban 5 mg group (n=811). Compared with placebo, apixaban 2.5 mg [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.96; p=0.030] and 5 mg (HR 0.54, 95%CI 0.36–0.83, p=0.004) were both associated with significant reduction in hospitalization. There was no significant difference in hospitalizations between the 2 doses of apixaban (5 mg vs. 2.5 mg: HR 0.84, 95%CI 0.53–1.32, p=0 .445). The mean time to first hospitalization was 153.7 days in the placebo group, 196.9 days in the apixaban 2.5 mg group, and 202.4 days in the apixaban 5 mg group (Figure). Conclusions Extended anticoagulation with apixaban at either a dose of 5 mg or 2.5 mg significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization, possibly due to the reduction in VTE recurrence. Disclosures: Liu: Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Thompson:Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Phatak:BMS: Employment, Equity Ownership. Mardekian:Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Porcari:Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership. Johnson:Pfizer: Employment, Equity Ownership.

scholarly journals The addition of omeprazole to ondansetron for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Perjuangan Dapot Hamonangan Simbolon ◽  
Selvi Nafianti ◽  
Pertin Sianturi ◽  
Bidasari Lubis ◽  
Aznan Lelo
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Pediatric Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Nausea And Vomiting ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pediatric Cancer Patients

Background Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are some of the most disturbing side effects in pediatric cancer patients. The standard recommendation is the use of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonist, such as ondansetron, to treat these symptoms. Despite this treatment, more than 50% of patients still experience nausea and vomiting.Objective To evaluate the effect of the addition of omeprazole to ondansetron in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.Methods A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, North Sumatera, from March to May 2016. Subjects were children aged 1 to 18 years, diagnosed with cancer, and who received intravenous chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive either a single dose of ondansetron (0.5 mg/kg) plus placebo or ondansetron (0.5 mg/kg) plus omeprazole (0.5 mg/kg). The severity of nausea and vomiting were measured using the Rhodes index of nausea, vomiting, and retching during the 24 hours after initiation of emetogenic chemotherapy. The primary outcome of efficacy was the proportion of patients who achieved complete response (lack of nausea/vomiting). Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests.Results Seventy eligible pediatric patients were randomized into two groups: 32 subjects in the ondansetron + placebo group and 38 others in the ondansetron + omeprazole group. The therapy failed in 50% (16/32) of the ondansetron + placebo group and 18.4% (7/38) of the ondansetron + omeprazole group. There was a significant difference in the clinical response between groups (P=0.01).Conclusion The addition of omeprazole to ondansetron for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is more effective than administration of ondansetron alone.

scholarly journals Effect of vitamin D supplementation on selected inflammatory biomarkers in older adults: a secondary analysis of data from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 693-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Waterhouse ◽  
Bich Tran ◽  
Peter R. Ebeling ◽  
Dallas R. English ◽  
Robyn M. Lucas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractObservational studies have suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are associated with inflammatory markers. Most trials reporting significant associations between vitamin D intake and inflammatory markers used specific patient groups. Thus, we aimed to determine the effect of supplementary vitamin D using secondary data from a population-based, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (Pilot D-Health trial 2010/0423). Participants were 60- to 84-year-old residents of one of the four eastern states of Australia. They were randomly selected from the electoral roll and were randomised to one of three trial arms: placebo (n 214), 750 μg (n 215) or 1500 μg (n 215) vitamin D3, each taken once per month for 12 months. Post-intervention blood samples for the analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-10, leptin and adiponectin levels were available for 613 participants. Associations between intervention group and biomarker levels were evaluated using quantile regression. There were no statistically significant differences in distributions of CRP, leptin, adiponectin, leptin:adiponectin ratio or IL-10 levels between the placebo group and either supplemented group. The 75th percentile IL-6 level was 2·8 pg/ml higher (95 % CI 0·4, 5·8 pg/ml) in the 1500 μg group than in the placebo group (75th percentiles:11·0 v. 8·2 pg/ml), with a somewhat smaller, non-significant difference in 75th percentiles between the 750 μg and placebo groups. Despite large differences in serum 25(OH)D levels between the three groups after 12 months of supplementation, we found little evidence of an effect of vitamin D supplementation on cytokine or adipokine levels, with the possible exception of IL-6.

Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of etanercept in the prevention of work disability in ankylosing spondylitis: Table 1

2010 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 1926-1928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Barkham ◽  
Laura C Coates ◽  
Helen Keen ◽  
Elizabeth Hensor ◽  
Alexander Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference

ObjectivesEtanercept has been shown to be rapidly effective in suppressing disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of this study was to determine whether etanercept improves work instability as measured by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Work Instability Scale (AS-WIS).MethodForty patients with active AS who were in work but were work unstable were recruited. Patients were randomised to receive 25 mg etanercept or placebo twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in AS-WIS at week 12. The AS-WIS is a patient-derived outcome measure which allows stratification of the risk of job loss. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes and gait parameters.ResultsThe mean improvement in AS-WIS score at week 12 was 2.75 in the etanercept group and 0.68 in the placebo group (p=0.125). The risk of job loss decreased for 11 (55%) of the etanercept group compared with 7 (35%) in the placebo group. Conversely, the risk of job loss increased in 3 (15%) of the placebo group compared with 1 (5%) in the etanercept group. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in change in WIS categories (Mann–Whitney U test=0.153, p=0.160). Significant improvement with etanercept was seen at week 12 in clinical outcomes and gait parameters. Etanercept was well tolerated, with no dropouts due to adverse events.ConclusionThis small study confirms the efficacy of etanercept on clinical outcome measures in patients with AS and suggests an effect on work instability which needs to be replicated in a larger controlled study.

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