Trial Outcomes & Findings for A Pilot Study of MabThera (Rituximab) Evaluated by MRI in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. (NCT NCT00502853)

NCT ID: NCT00502853

Last Updated: 2017-08-16

Results Overview

Extension and degree of synovitis in wrist according to RAMRIS score developed by OMERACT. Synovitis is an area in synovial compartment that shows above normal post-gadolinium enhancement of a thickness greater than width of normal synovium. Synovitis is assessed in 3 wrist regions (distal radioulnar joint; radiocarpal joint; intercarpal and carpometacarpal joints) and in each metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. 1st carpometacarpal joint and 1st MCP joint are not scored. Score 0 is normal, and 1-3 (mild, moderate, severe) are by thirds of the presumed maximum volume of enhancing tissue in the synovial compartment. Total synovitis score=the sum of the individual scores (3 wrist regions \[range 0-9\] or 4 MCP joints \[range 0-12\]) for an overall range of 0-21, where 0=no damage and maximum score \[9, 12, or 21\]=most severe damage. Change in synovitis = Follow-up synovitis score - baseline score.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

10 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline, Week 4, and Week 24

Results posted on

2017-08-16

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Rituximab Plus (+) Methotrexate (MTX)
Participants received rituximab 1000 milligrams (mg) intravenously (IV) and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg per week (mg/week) by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as Disease Activity Score Based on 28-Joint Count and C-Reactive Protein \[DAS28-CRP\] score of greater than \[\>\]2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Overall Study
STARTED
10
Overall Study
COMPLETED
10
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

A Pilot Study of MabThera (Rituximab) Evaluated by MRI in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Age, Continuous
52.42 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.681 • n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
6 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
4 Participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 24

Population: The Safety Population included all participants who received any portion of the rituximab dose and was used for efficacy and safety analyses.

Extension and degree of synovitis in wrist according to RAMRIS score developed by OMERACT. Synovitis is an area in synovial compartment that shows above normal post-gadolinium enhancement of a thickness greater than width of normal synovium. Synovitis is assessed in 3 wrist regions (distal radioulnar joint; radiocarpal joint; intercarpal and carpometacarpal joints) and in each metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. 1st carpometacarpal joint and 1st MCP joint are not scored. Score 0 is normal, and 1-3 (mild, moderate, severe) are by thirds of the presumed maximum volume of enhancing tissue in the synovial compartment. Total synovitis score=the sum of the individual scores (3 wrist regions \[range 0-9\] or 4 MCP joints \[range 0-12\]) for an overall range of 0-21, where 0=no damage and maximum score \[9, 12, or 21\]=most severe damage. Change in synovitis = Follow-up synovitis score - baseline score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (RAMRIS) Synovitis Score
Baseline
3.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.58
Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (RAMRIS) Synovitis Score
Change at Week 4
-1.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.38
Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (RAMRIS) Synovitis Score
Change at Week 24
-1.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.73
Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (RAMRIS) Synovitis Score
Week 4
2.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.75
Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (RAMRIS) Synovitis Score
Week 24
2.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.74

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Weeks 4 and 24

Population: Safety Population

Extension and degree of bone edema in the wrist according to the RAMRIS score developed by OMERACT. Bone edema is a lesion within the trabecular bone, with ill-defined margins and signal characteristics consistent with increased water content. Each bone (wrists: carpal bones, distal radius, distal ulna, metacarpal bases; MCP joints: metacarpal heads, phalangeal bases) is scored separately. The scale of 0-3 was based on the proportion of bone with edema, as follows: 0=no edema; 1=1 percent (%) to 33% of bone was edematous; 2 = 34%-66% of bone was edematous; and 3= 67%-100% of bone was edematous. Total bone edema score=sum of the individual scores for an overall range of 0-69, where 0=no edema and 69=most severe edema. Change in bone edema = follow-up bone edema score - baseline score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
OMERACT RAMRIS Bone Edema Score
Week 4
23.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 15.68
OMERACT RAMRIS Bone Edema Score
Change at Week 4
0.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 14.52
OMERACT RAMRIS Bone Edema Score
Week 24
24.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 14.66
OMERACT RAMRIS Bone Edema Score
Baseline
23.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 13.56
OMERACT RAMRIS Bone Edema Score
Change at Week 24
0.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 16.77

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 24

Population: Safety Population

MRI bone erosion measures a sharply marginated bone lesion, with correct juxta-articular localization and typical signal characteristics, which is visible in 2 planes with a cortical break seen in at least 1 plane. Each bone (wrists: carpal bones, distal radius, distal ulna, metacarpal bases; MCP joints: metacarpal heads, phalangeal bases) scored separately. Scale is 0-10 based on proportion of eroded bone compared to assessed bone volume (0=no erosion; 1=1%-10% of bone eroded; 2=11%-20%, etc). For long bones, assessed bone volume is from articular surface (or best estimated position if absent) to depth of 1 centimeter (cm); in carpal bones it is the whole bone. Total erosion score=sum of individual scores for an overall range of 0-230, where 0=no erosion and 230=most severe erosion. Change in erosion=Follow-up erosion score - baseline score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
OMERACT RAMRIS Erosion Score
Baseline
7.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.67
OMERACT RAMRIS Erosion Score
Week 4
8.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.63
OMERACT RAMRIS Erosion Score
Week 24
9.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.38
OMERACT RAMRIS Erosion Score
Change at Week 24
1.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.39
OMERACT RAMRIS Erosion Score
Change at Week 4
0.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.14

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Weeks 4 and 24

Population: Safety Population

A low cost, low field dedicated extremity MRI unit was used, which is specifically designed for the examination of peripheral joints. In addition to the standard OMERACT-RAMRIS scoring system, additional data were elaborated by using "dynamic" MRI, i.e. Contrast-Enhanced Dynamic MRI (DCE-MRI). This method evaluates the diffusion of the contrast mean in a series of very short sequences thus providing a diffusion curve which is proportionate to the extent of inflammation in the synovial membrane. Numerical parameters used with this method are the slope in the initial phase (rate of early enhancement - REE) and its "steady state" condition (relative enhancement - RE). REE per second during the first 55 seconds was calculated according to the formula REE55 = (S55-S0)/(S0x55)x100%. The REE shows the slope of the curve of contrast uptake tangential to the α angle and is steeper if inflammation is higher.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Early Enhancement Rate (REE)
Baseline
0.356 percent per second
Standard Deviation 0.2651
Early Enhancement Rate (REE)
Change at Week 4
0.150 percent per second
Standard Deviation 0.4106
Early Enhancement Rate (REE)
Week 24
0.363 percent per second
Standard Deviation 0.2615
Early Enhancement Rate (REE)
Change at Week 24
-0.012 percent per second
Standard Deviation 0.3227
Early Enhancement Rate (REE)
Week 4
0.489 percent per second
Standard Deviation 0.5110

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, Weeks 4 and 24

Population: Safety Population

A low cost, low field dedicated extremity MRI unit was used, which is specifically designed for the examination of peripheral joints. In addition to the standard OMERACT-RAMRIS scoring system, additional data were elaborated by using "dynamic" MRI (DCE-MRI). This method evaluates the diffusion of the contrast mean in a series of very short sequences thus providing a diffusion curve which is proportionate to the extent of inflammation in the synovial membrane. Numerical parameters used with this method are the slope in the initial phase (REE) and its "steady state" condition (RE).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Relative Enhancement (RE) Score
Week 4
57.889 percent
Standard Deviation 51.9276
Relative Enhancement (RE) Score
Change at Week 4
-3.812 percent
Standard Deviation 34.3034
Relative Enhancement (RE) Score
Baseline
66.978 percent
Standard Deviation 42.3981
Relative Enhancement (RE) Score
Week 24
40.075 percent
Standard Deviation 21.6891
Relative Enhancement (RE) Score
Change at Week 24
-34.450 percent
Standard Deviation 32.9609

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

The Ritchie Articular Index is a graded assessment of tenderness in 26 joint regions. The sum of the grades of tenderness (0=not tender, 1=tender, 2=tender and causes wince, and 3 tender, causes wince and effort to withdraw) elicited by applying firm pressure over the joint margin of articular joints (such as shoulders, elbow, wrists, hips). The scores ranged from 0 (no tenderness) to 78 (most severe tenderness).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Baseline
20.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 8.30
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Week 4
16.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 9.49
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Change at Week 4
-3.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.78
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Week 12
9.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.72
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Change at Week 12
-11.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.11
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Change at Week 24
-9.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.50
Ritchie Articular Index Scores
Week 24
11.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 9.60

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

The Stanford HAQ-DI is a participant-reported questionnaire specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It consist of 20 items referring to eight component sets: dressing/grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities. Each item within a domain was scored on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 to 3: 0 = no difficulty; 1 = some difficulty; 2 = much difficulty; 3 = unable to do. The highest score reported by the participant for a domain determined the score for that domain. The overall disability index is computed as the sum of domain scores and divided by the number of domains answered. Total possible score range 0-3 where 0 = least difficulty and 3 = extreme difficulty.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Week 4
1.471 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.7976
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Week 12
0.838 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.6668
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Baseline
1.788 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.6848
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Change at Week 4
-0.316 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.3687
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Change at Week 12
-0.950 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.7997
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Week 24
0.888 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.7008
Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score
Change at Week 24
-0.900 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.6503

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

The participant's assessment of their current level of pain on a 0 to 100 millimeter (mm) horizontal VAS. The left-hand extreme of the line was described as "no pain" and the right-hand as "unbearable pain". The participant was asked to mark the line corresponding to their current level of pain and the distance from the left edge was recorded.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Week 24
22.7 mm
Standard Deviation 16.92
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Change at Week 24
-30.7 mm
Standard Deviation 23.69
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Baseline
60.6 mm
Standard Deviation 22.75
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Week 4
49.0 mm
Standard Deviation 31.73
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Change at Week 4
-11.6 mm
Standard Deviation 20.38
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Week 12
34.7 mm
Standard Deviation 16.77
Patient's Global Assessment of Pain
Change at Week 12
-29.9 mm
Standard Deviation 28.27

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

DAS28 calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joints count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (millimeters per hour \[mm/hr\]) and Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity (participant-rated arthritis activity assessment) with transformed scores ranging 0 to 10; higher scores indicated greater affectation due to disease activity. A DAS28 score of less than or equal to (≤) 3.2 = low disease activity, a DAS28 score of \>3.2 to 5.1 = moderate to high disease activity.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
DAS28 Score
Baseline
5.735 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.8099
DAS28 Score
Week 4
5.261 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.5552
DAS28 Score
Change at Week 4
-0.474 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.9250
DAS28 Score
Week 12
4.307 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.4552
DAS28 Score
Change at Week 12
-1.587 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.9743
DAS28 Score
Week 24
4.400 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.4263
DAS28 Score
Change at Week 24
-1.335 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.1425

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

ESR was determined using the Westergren method. ESR measures how fast red blood cells (erythrocytes) fall to the bottom of a fine glass tube that is filled with the participant's blood. The higher the sedimentation rate the greater the inflammation.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Baseline
72.6 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 27.56
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Week 4
63.8 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 26.63
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Change at Week 4
-15.6 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 15.61
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Week 12
48.0 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 26.12
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Change at Week 12
-30.2 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 26.47
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Week 24
53.4 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 18.34
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Change at Week 24
-19.1 mm/hr
Standard Deviation 21.25

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

CRP measured by milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High levels of CRP are indicators of active inflammation.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Baseline
21.630 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 24.1805
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Week 4
23.480 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 22.7518
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Change at Week 4
1.850 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 16.9261
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Week 12
10.929 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 12.2432
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Change at Week 12
-10.929 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 18.1919
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Week 24
23.410 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 26.8998
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Change at Week 24
1.780 mg/dL
Standard Deviation 36.7504

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

Anti-CCP autoantibodies count measured by units per milliliter (U/mL). The anti-CCP autoantibodies bind antigenic determinants that contain the unusual amino acid citrulline. The anti-CCP antibody is a highly specific diagnostic test of RA (though with variable sensitivity) and a marker of joint damage with high prognostic significance.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Baseline
55.230 U/mL
Standard Deviation 33.3902
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Week 4
44.311 U/mL
Standard Deviation 28.4448
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Change at Week 4
-10.133 U/mL
Standard Deviation 18.0815
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Week 12
41.925 U/mL
Standard Deviation 32.2708
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Change at Week 12
-12.862 U/mL
Standard Deviation 16.7306
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Week 24
122.230 U/mL
Standard Deviation 247.7763
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Autoantibodies Count
Change at Week 24
67.000 U/mL
Standard Deviation 247.0019

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

RF IgM concentrations measured by international units per milliliter (IU/mL). RF is an antibody reacting against the fragment, crystallizable (Fc) region of IgG. Quantitative measurements have shown a prognostic value in distinguishing between progressive and non-progressive disease in early RA, a correlation with radiologically determined joint damage, and relation with clinical improvement after disease-modifying anti-rheumatic treatment.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Baseline
570.922 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 827.0900
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Week 4
307.300 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 337.9550
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Change at Week 4
-285.138 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 530.8209
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Week 12
241.756 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 357.8067
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Change at Week 12
-329.167 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 499.0426
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Week 24
281.230 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 337.6633
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Concentrations
Change at Week 24
-267.389 IU/mL
Standard Deviation 529.7928

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

Total Ig concentrations as measured by milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Baseline
20.258 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 6.7055
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Week 4
17.786 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 4.7033
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Change at Week 4
-1.602 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 3.6846
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Week 12
17.296 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 4.1845
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Change at Week 12
-2.336 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 4.0998
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Week 24
18.354 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 4.3432
Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) Concentrations
Change at Week 24
-1.042 mg/mL
Standard Deviation 4.5527

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Baseline
36.110 percentage
Standard Deviation 2.2218
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Week 4
37.860 percentage
Standard Deviation 1.4315
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Change at Week 4
1.750 percentage
Standard Deviation 2.9497
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Week 12
37.512 percentage
Standard Deviation 2.5798
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Change at Week 12
1.350 percentage
Standard Deviation 4.3065
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Week 24
37.967 percentage
Standard Deviation 2.6106
Hematocrit Concentration (%)
Change at Week 24
1.667 percentage
Standard Deviation 3.6695

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Weeks 4, 12, and 24

Population: Safety Population

Concentration of all B-lymphocytes subtypes was assessed.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Baseline
24.040 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 10.2954
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Week 4
22.430 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 8.0601
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Change at Week 4
-1.610 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 7.1818
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Week 12
30.125 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 12.0576
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Change at Week 12
5.562 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 11.6748
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Week 24
24.133 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 10.2802
Percentage of Total B-lymphocytes
Change at Week 24
1.111 percentage of cells
Standard Deviation 7.7194

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 24

Population: Safety Population

The erosion score per joint of the hands can range from 0 to 5. Erosions were scored 1 if they were discrete but clearly present, and 2 or 3 if they were larger, depending on the surface area of the joint involved. A score of 3 was given if the erosion was large and extended over the imaginary middle of the bone. A score of 5 was given if a complete collapse of the joint was present or if the full surface of the joint was affected. In each joint, individual erosions were summed up to a maximum of 5. The maximal erosion score for each hand was thus 80, considering the 16 areas for erosions per hand.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Erosion Score - Right Hand
Baseline
2.50 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.972
Erosion Score - Right Hand
Week 24
2.19 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.963
Erosion Score - Right Hand
Change at Week 24
-0.44 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.741

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 24

Population: Safety Population; n=number of participants with values for analysis at the specified timepoints.

The erosion score per joint of the hands can range from 0 to 5. Erosions were scored 1 if they were discrete but clearly present, and 2 or 3 if they were larger, depending on the surface area of the joint involved. A score of 3 was given if the erosion was large and extended over the imaginary middle of the bone. A score of 5 was given if a complete collapse of the joint was present or if the full surface of the joint was affected. In each joint, individual erosions were summed up to a maximum of 5. The maximal erosion score for each hand was thus 80, considering the 16 areas for erosions per hand.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Erosion Score - Left Hand
Baseline (n=10)
1.90 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.558
Erosion Score - Left Hand
Week 24 (n=8)
1.75 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.619
Erosion Score - Left Hand
Change at Week 24 (n=8)
0.00 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.707

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 24

Population: Safety Population; only participants with values at both Baseline and Week 24 were included in the analysis.

Joint space narrowing and joint subluxation or luxation are combined in a single score with a range of 0 to 4. A normal joint space was scored 0. A score of 2 was allowed to a focal narrowing of the joint or to a joint space not sufficiently narrowed to be scored 2. The score of 1 was not to be used when the reader was unsure whether there was joint space narrowing. A generalized narrowing leaving more than 50% of the original joint space present was scored 2. A generalized narrowing leaving less than 50% of the original joint space present was scored 3, and a subluxation of a joint was also scored 3. A bony ankylosis or a complete luxation of the joint was scored 4. A total of 13 joints were evaluated for narrowing and the scores were summed (13 times \[x\] 4 \[maximum per joint\]). Each sum was normalized to a scale of 0 (best possible outcome) to 100 (worst possible outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=8 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Joint Space Narrowing - Right Hand
Baseline
10.40 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.859
Joint Space Narrowing - Right Hand
Week 24
10.13 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.786
Joint Space Narrowing - Right Hand
Change at Week 24
0.94 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.609

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 24

Population: Safety Population; only participants with values at both Baseline and Week 24 were included in the analysis.

Joint space narrowing and joint subluxation or luxation are combined in a single score with a range of 0 to 4. A normal joint space was scored 0. A score of 2 was allowed to a focal narrowing of the joint or to a joint space not sufficiently narrowed to be scored 2. The score of 1 was not to be used when the reader was unsure whether there was joint space narrowing. A generalized narrowing leaving more than 50% of the original joint space present was scored 2. A generalized narrowing leaving less than 50% of the original joint space present was scored 3, and a subluxation of a joint was also scored 3. A bony ankylosis or a complete luxation of the joint was scored 4. A total of 13 joints were evaluated for narrowing and the scores were summed (13 x 4 \[maximum per joint\]). Each sum was normalized to a scale of 0 (best possible outcome) to 100 (worst possible outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=8 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Joint Space Narrowing - Left Hand
Baseline
8.45 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.039
Joint Space Narrowing - Left Hand
Week 24
9.13 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.004
Joint Space Narrowing - Left Hand
Change at Week 24
2.19 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.694

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 24

Population: Safety Population; only participants with values at both Baseline and Week 24 were included in the analysis.

Right hand total scores as measured by X-rays examining erosion and joint space narrowing. Total score was calculated as the sum of the erosion score and the joint space narrowing score and scores ranged from 0 (best possible outcome) to 180 (worst possible outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=8 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
X-Rays: Right Hand Total Score
Baseline
12.90 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 9.433
X-Rays: Right Hand Total Score
Week 24
12.31 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.828
X-Rays: Right Hand Total Score
Change at Week 24
0.50 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.714

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 24

Population: Safety Population; only participants with values at both Baseline and Week 24 were included in the analysis.

Left hand total scores as measured by X-rays examining erosion and joint space narrowing. Total score was calculated as the sum of the erosion score and the joint space narrowing score and ranged from 0 (best possible outcome) to 180 (worst possible outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=8 Participants
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
X-Rays: Left Hand Total Score
Baseline
10.35 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.192
X-Rays: Left Hand Total Score
Week 24
10.88 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.813
X-Rays: Left Hand Total Score
Change at Week 24
2.19 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.341

Adverse Events

Rituximab + MTX

Serious events: 2 serious events
Other events: 10 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 participants at risk
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Cardiac disorders
Atrial fibrillation
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Infections and infestations
Device related infection
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Rituximab + MTX
n=10 participants at risk
Participants received rituximab 1000 mg IV and methylprednisolone 100 mg IV on Days 1 and 15 and MTX at a stable dose of 10-25 mg/week by mouth or parenterally. Nonresponsive participants (defined as DAS28-CRP score of \>2.6) could have received additional infusions of rituximab 1000 mg (2 infusions, 14 days apart) provided a minimum of 24 weeks had passed since the first infusion of the last course of study medication.
Endocrine disorders
Hypothyroidism
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Apical granuloma
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Infections and infestations
Influenza
30.0%
3/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Infections and infestations
Paronychia
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Infections and infestations
Pharyngitis
30.0%
3/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Infections and infestations
Urinary tract infection bacterial
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Investigations
Alanine aminotransferase increased
20.0%
2/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Diabetes mellitus
20.0%
2/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Neck pain
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Osteoarthritis
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Tenosynovitis stenosans
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Nervous system disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Nervous system disorders
Paraesthesia
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Renal and urinary disorders
Haematuria
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Amenorrhoea
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash pruritic
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rosacea
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.
Vascular disorders
Hypertension
10.0%
1/10 • From baseline up to 24 weeks.

Additional Information

Medical Communications

Hoffmann-LaRoche

Phone: 800-821-8590

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee The Study being conducted under this Agreement is part of the Overall Study. Investigator is free to publish in reputable journals or to present at professional conferences the results of the Study, but only after the first publication or presentation that involves the Overall Study. The Sponsor may request that Confidential Information be deleted and/or the publication be postponed in order to protect the Sponsor's intellectual property rights.
  • Publication restrictions are in place

Restriction type: OTHER