ACR Meeting Abstracts

ACR Meeting Abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting
    • 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2017 ACR/ARHP PRSYM
    • 2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2015 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2014 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2013 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2010 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2009 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • Download Abstracts
  • Keyword Index
  • Advanced Search
  • Your Favorites
    • Favorites
    • Login
    • Register
    • View and print all favorites
    • Clear all your favorites
  • Meeting Resource Center

Abstract Number: 477

Leflunomide Use Is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Richard Conway1, Candice Low2, Robert J. Coughlan1, Martin O'Donnell3 and John J. Carey1, 1Rheumatology, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland, 2Medicine, St. James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, 3Clinical Research Facility, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland

Meeting: 2014 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting

Keywords: Adverse events, DMARDs, meta-analysis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and safety

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print
Save to PDF
Session Information

Session Title: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Small Molecules, Biologics and Gene Therapy: Safety of Biologics and Small Molecules in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Session Type: Abstract Submissions (ACR)

Background/Purpose

Leflunomide is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. An association between pulmonary adverse events, in particular interstitial lung disease, and leflunomide use has been reported. Incident respiratory events may result in cessation of leflunomide treatment. Clarification of its potential role in pulmonary disease is therefore of clinical importance.

 

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of Pubmed and Cochrane databases with no date limits for double-blind randomised controlled trials of leflunomide versus placebo or active comparator agents in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. We evaluated the association between leflumonide use and pulmonary adverse events by performing a meta-analysis of the results. Studies with less than 50 subjects, of less than 12 weeks duration, or with no reporting of respiratory adverse events were excluded. Random effects meta-analysis using the Mantel-Haenszel method was used to assess total respiratory adverse events, infectious respiratory adverse events, non-infectious respiratory adverse events, pneumonitis, and death. Results were expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals.

 

Results

 

Our literature search returned 884 results. A total of 8 studies, 4 with placebo comparators, met our inclusion criteria. Seven hundred and eight respiratory adverse events were documented in 4579 participants. Six cases of pneumonitis occurred, all in the comparator group. Four pulmonary deaths were reported, none in the leflunomide group. Leflunomide was not associated with an increased risk of total adverse respiratory events, RR 0.99 (95% CI 0.56-1.78), or infectious respiratory adverse events, RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.58-1.82). Leflunomide was associated with a decreased risk of non-infectious respiratory adverse events, RR 0.64 (95% CI 0.41-0.97).

 

Conclusion

Our study found no evidence of increased respiratory adverse events with leflunomide treatment.

 

Figure 1: Forest Plot of Total Adverse Respiratory Events


Disclosure:

R. Conway,
None;

C. Low,
None;

R. J. Coughlan,
None;

M. O’Donnell,
None;

J. J. Carey,
None.

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print
Save to PDF

« Back to 2014 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/leflunomide-use-is-not-associated-with-an-increased-risk-of-lung-disease-in-rheumatoid-arthritis-a-meta-analysis-of-randomised-controlled-trials/

Advanced Search

Your Favorites

You can save and print a list of your favorite abstracts by clicking the “Favorite” button at the bottom of any abstract. View your favorites »

Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia

© COPYRIGHT 2019 AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Wiley

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
  • Advanced Search
  • Meeting Resource Center
  • Online Journal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Permissions Policies
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
This site uses cookies: Find out more.