Response to tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis is not influenced by the body mass index of the patient.

Abstract

To assess the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted a retrospective study in 222 patients with RA followed by 5 centers. The European League Against Rheumatism response was evaluated at 6 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. No significant association between the BMI and the response to TCZ at 6 months was found after adjustment for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.16-1.24, p = 0.13 and OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.31-4.48, p = 0.78 for BMI 25-30 kg/m(2) and BMI > 30 kg/m(2), respectively, compared to BMI < 25 kg/m(2)). Response to TCZ in patients with RA is not influenced by the baseline BMI, in contrast to anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs.