Abatacept ameliorates both glandular and extraglandular involvements in patients with Sjogren's syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis: Findings from an open-label, multicentre, 1-year, prospective study: The ROSE (Rheumatoid Arthritis with Orencia Trial Toward Sjogren's Syndrome Endocrinopathy) and ROSE II trials

Objective To clarify the efficacy and safety of intravenous abatacept for glandular and extraglandular involvements in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and methods We performed an open-label, prospective, 1-year, observational multicenter study (ROSE and ROSE II trials). The primary endpoint was the remission rate as measured by SDAI at 52 weeks. The secondary endpoints included the changes in the Saxon's test, Schirmer's test, ESSDAI and ESSPRI. Adverse events and adherence rates were also analyzed. Results 68 patients (36 in ROSE and 32 in ROSE II, all women) were enrolled. SDAI decreased significantly from 23.6 +/- 13.2 at baseline to 9.9 +/- 9.5 at 52 weeks. Patients with SDAI remission increased from 0 (0 weeks) to 19 patients (27.9%) at 52 weeks. Saliva volume increased significantly at 24 weeks. Tear volume increased significantly at 52 weeks. Both ESSDAI and ESSPRI were significantly decreased at 12 weeks, and these responses were maintained up to 52 weeks. The rate of adherence to abatacept over the 52-week period was 83.8%. Twenty-two adverse events occurred in 15 patients. Conclusion Abatacept ameliorated both glandular and extraglandular involvements, as well as the systemic disease activities and patient-reported outcomes based on composite measures, in SS associated with RA.

Automated summary

This study found that intravenous abatacept is effective in treating Sjogren's syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It improves both glandular and extraglandular involvements, as well as systemic disease activities and patient-reported outcomes. Adverse events were low, and adherence to abatacept was high.