RA - L5

Question 1

Phases of clinical trials?

Answer 1

Phase I: small group to evaluate safety
Phase II: efficacy, through large group
Phase III: compare to gold standard
Phase IV: post marketing surveillance

Question 2

What are the types of medications used in RA treatments?

Answer 2

Analgesics
NSAIDS
Glucocorticoids
DMARDs (actually modify course of disease)
bDMARDs

Question 3

Classes of bMARDs?

Answer 3

TNF a inhibitors
IL-1 antagonists
IL-6 receptor antagonists
CTLA4 ligand
B cell depleting agents

Question 4

PBS criteria for bMARD eligibility?

Answer 4

failed 6 months of intensive DMARDs
ESR>25mm/h, CRP>15mg/L
active joint count: >20 active, >4 major

Question 5

Treatment Principles of RA

Answer 5

treat early
treat-to-target
intensive therapeutic regimens
   combination of DMARDs
   escalating and frequent changes

Question 6

Evidence for intensive regimens

Answer 6

TICORA
   less radiographic joint erosions
   no increase in adverse events
   cost saving (short term)
BeSt Study