Early DAS response after DMARD-start increases probability of achieving sustained DMARD-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND: Sustained DMARD-free remission (SDFR) is increasingly achievable. The pathogenesis underlying SDFR development is unknown and patient characteristics at diagnosis poorly explain whether SDFR will be achieved. To increase the understanding, we studied the course of disease activity scores (DAS) over time in relation to SDFR development. Subsequently, we explored whether DAS course could be helpful identifying RA patients likely to achieve SDFR. METHODS: 772 consecutive RA patients, promptly treated with csDMARDs (mostly methotrexate and treat-to-target treatment adjustments), were studied for SDFR development (absence of synovitis, persisting minimally 12 months after DMARD stop). The course of disease activity scores (DAS) was compared between RA patients with and without SDFR development within 7 years, using linear mixed models, stratified for ACPA. The relation between 4-month DAS and the probability of SDFR development was studied with logistic regression. Cumulative incidence of SDFR within DAS categories (< 1.6, 1.6–2.4, 2.4–3.6, ≥ 3.6) at 4 months was visualized using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: In ACPA-negative RA patients, those achieving SDFR showed a remarkably stronger DAS decline within the first 4 months, compared to RA patients without SDFR; − 1.73 units (95%CI, 1.28–2.18) versus − 1.07 units (95%CI, 0.90–1.23) (p < 0.001). In APCA-positive RA patients, such an effect was not observed, yet SDFR prevalence in this group was low. In ACPA-negative RA, DAS decline in the first 4 months and absolute DAS levels at 4 months (DAS(4 months)) were equally predictive for SDFR development. Incidence of SDFR in ACPA-negative RA patients was high (70.2%) when DAS(4 months) was < 1.6, whilst SDFR was rare (7.1%) when DAS(4 months) was ≥ 3.6. CONCLUSIONS: In ACPA-negative RA, an early response to treatment, i.e., a strong DAS decline within the first 4 months, is associated with a higher probability of SDFR development. DAS values at 4 months could be useful for later decisions to stop DMARDs.