Randomised placebo-controlled study of stopping second-line drugs in rheumatoid arthritis

Background A favourable benefit/risk ratio for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with second-line drugs has been established only in short-term studies. The present investigation addresses the question of whether RA patients with a good response to long-term treatment with second-line drugs benefit from continuation of such treatment. Methods A 52-week randomised double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre study was conducted to assess the effect of stopping second-line therapy in 285 RA patients with a good long-term therapeutic response. The patients either continued the second-line drug (n=142) or received a placebo (n=143). The endpoint was a flare, defined as recurrence of synovitis. Findings At entry into the study median duration of second-line drug therapy was 5 years (range 2-33). At 52 weeks the cumulative incidence of a flare was 38% for the placebo group and 22% for the continued therapy group (p=0·002). The risk of a flare was 2·0 times higher for patients receiving placebo than for those continuing the second-line drug (95% Cl 1·27 to 3·17). The same trend was found for each second-line drug separately, with the exception of d-penicillamine. Side-effects that necessitated dose reduction or discontinuation occurred in 2 patients in each group. Interpretation Second-line drugs continue to be effective in RA patients who have responded well to initial treatment.