Tocilizumab in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 34 Patients.

Régent, Alexis; Redeker, Serge; Deroux, Alban; Kieffer, Pierre; Ly, Kim Heang; Dougados, Maxime; Liozon, Eric; Larroche, Claire et al. · J Rheumatol · 2016

retrospective_cohort · Level III

Where this comes from

Abstract

To report the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) for giant cell arteritis (GCA). A retrospective multicenter study that included 34 patients receiving TCZ for GCA. TCZ was effective in all but 6 patients, who still had mild symptoms. Mean glucocorticoid dose was tapered. One patient died and 3 patients had to stop TCZ therapy because of severe adverse events. Twenty-three patients stopped treatment; 8 of these experienced relapses after a mean of 3.5 ± 1.3 months. TCZ is effective in GCA. However, side effects occur. Whether this treatment has only a suspensive effect remains to be determined.

Medical subject headings