clinical efficacy of etanercept in children
Last reviewed 01/2018
In a two phase trial of 69 children aged 4-17, with median disease duration of approx 6 years and active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, treatment with etanercept at 400 mcg/kg was given for a maximum of 3 months.
74% of patients had a 30% improvement as measured in atleast 3 of 6 clinical parameters with no more than 1 measure worsening by more than 30%.
These "responders" were then entered into the second phase of the trial, and were randomised to continue etanercept or placebo for 4 months. Only 28% of those on etanercept experienced a flare in disease compared to 81% with placebo.
Reference:
- Lovell DJ et al. Etanercept in children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. NEJM 2000;342:763-9.