Response to lower dose TNF inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis; a real-world multicentre observational study

Objective Dose optimization of TNF inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is attractive, but it is unclear for which patients this approach might be appropriate. Methods Seventy-one patients with axSpA, from six UK centres, were identified who had reduced their dose of TNF inhibitor after being considered to be stable responders. All completed a questionnaire concerning their approach to and experience of dose reduction. Data on patient characteristics, metrology and CRP were retrieved retrospectively from patient records. Results Over 2 years of observation, 60 (84.5%) remained (REM) on reduced-dose medication and 11 (15.5%) reverted (REV) to the original dose. The overall mean dose reduction was 39% for REM patients and 44% for REV patients. Both groups initially responded in a similar manner to treatment, but the data showed a trend that younger women were more likely to revert. Neither BMI nor smoking was associated with continued low-dose responsiveness. Eight of the 11 REV patients reverted by 6 months. None reached criteria of secondary drug failure, and all regained control after increasing back to the original dose. Most patients in both groups reached the decision to reduce the dose jointly with clinicians. A preference for taking the reduced dose was not associated with low-dose drug survival. Conclusion Many patients with axSpA remain well symptomatically after stepping down the dose of TNF inhibitor, but young women are less likely to do well on a reduced dose. Dose reduction should be one element of the management of patients with axSpA.

The combination of insulin and sulphonylurea in the treatment of secondary drug failure in patients with type II diabetes

Thirteen patients (6 females and 7 males) who were secondary failures on oral drug therapy were randomly allocated to either 2 months of treatment with insulin + glibenclamide or insulin + placebo. Thereafter the treatment schedules of the two groups were switched over for another two months. The combination of insulin and glibenclamide was more effective in lowering the fasting blood glucose (P = 0.026) and 24 h urine glucose (P = 0.042) than the combination of insulin and placebo. The combination therapy with insulin and glibenclamide revealed higher basal (P = 0.021) and glucagon-stimulated C-peptide concentrations (P = 0.037) than therapy with insulin and placebo. However, insulin binding to erythrocytes did not differ between the two study periods. The results indicate that the addition of glibenclamide to insulin in type II diabetics poorly controlled by oral antidiabetics alone may slightly improve diabetic control. The mechanism of this action is due at least partly to sulphonylureainduced stimulation of endogenous insulin secretion. The effectiveness of the combination treatment during long-term therapy still remains to be proven, however.

Treatment failures: A common problem in the management of patients with type II diabetes

ABSTRACT. Secondary failure is a common problem in the treatment of patients with type II diabetes. The underlying mechanisms are reviewed, and special interest is focused on the assessment of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Impaired beta-cell function seems to be the major cause of secondary drug failure in patients with normal weight, whereas insulin resistance is of greater importance in obese patients. The importance of Cpeptide determinations to detect patients needing insulin is emphasized. The concept of progressive deterioration of beta-cell function with time in type II diabetes is challenged. Different treatment modalities for the management of patients with secondary drug failure are discussed and special interest is focused on the combination of insulin and sulfonylureas in the management of secondary failure patients with slightly impaired insulin secretion. Key words: secondary drug failure, type II diabetes, Cpeptide, insulin sensitivity, oral antidiabetic drugs, insulin therapy.