An Observational Study of MabThera (Rituximab) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis And Inadequate Response Or Intolerance to a First Anti-TNF Alpha Therapy

DAS28 is calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joints count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (millimeters per hour [mm/hr]) and patient's global assessment of disease activity (participant-rated arthritis activity assessment) with transformed scores ranging 0 (minimum score) to 10 (maximum score); higher scores indicated greater affectation due to disease activity. A DAS28 score of less than or equal to (=<) 3.2 = low disease activity, a DAS28 score of >3.2 to 5.1 = moderate to high disease activity.

DAS28 is calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joints count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (millimeters per hour [mm/hr]) and Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity (participant-rated arthritis activity assessment) with transformed scores ranging 0 (minimum score) to 10 (maximum score); higher scores indicated greater affectation due to disease activity. A DAS28 score of less than or equal to (=<) 3.2 = low disease activity, a DAS28 score of >3.2 to 5.1 = moderate to high disease activity.

DAS28 is calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joints count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (millimeters per hour [mm/hr]) and Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity (participant-rated arthritis activity assessment) with transformed scores ranging 0 (minimum score) to 10 (maximum score); higher scores indicated greater affectation due to disease activity. A DAS28 score of less than or equal to (=<) 3.2 = low disease activity, a DAS28 score of >3.2 to 5.1 = moderate to high disease activity.

TJC is a clinical method to quantify abnormalities in participants with RA. It is associated with the level of pain. The number of tender joints were scored as tender=1 and not tender=0, and counted. A negative change from baseline represents an improvement (a reduction in the number of tender joints).

TJC is a clinical method to quantify abnormalities in participants with RA. It is associated with the level of pain. The number of tender joints were scored as tender=1 and not tender=0, and counted. A negative change from baseline represents an improvement (a reduction in the number of tender joints).

SJC is a clinical method to quantify abnormalities in participants with RA. It reflects the amount of inflamed synovial tissue. The number of swollen joints were scored as swollen=1 and not swollen=0, and counted. A negative change from baseline represents an improvement (a reduction in the number of swollen joints).

SJC is a clinical method to quantify abnormalities in participants with RA. It reflects the amount of inflamed synovial tissue. The number of swollen joints were scored as swollen=1 and not swollen=0, and counted. A negative change from baseline represents an improvement (a reduction in the number of swollen joints).

ESR is an acute phase reactant and a measure of inflammation. A negative change from baseline represents a reduction in inflammation.

ESR is an acute phase reactant and a measure of inflammation. A negative change from baseline represents a reduction in inflammation.

CRP is an inflammation marker. High levels of this protein indicate inflammation in diseases such as RA. A negative change from baseline represents a reduction in inflammation.

CRP is an inflammation marker. High levels of this protein indicate inflammation in diseases such as RA. A negative change from baseline represents a reduction in inflammation.

The HAQ-DI is a participant-completed questionnaire specific for rheumatoid arthritis. It consists of 20 questions referring to 8 domains: dressing/grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip and common daily activities. Each domain has at least two component questions. There are four possible responses for each component ranging from 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). The overall HAQ-DI score is the average of each of the 8 category scores and ranges from 0 to 3, where 0 represents no disability and 3 very severe, high-dependency disability.

The HAQ-DI is a participant-completed questionnaire specific for rheumatoid arthritis. It consists of 20 questions referring to 8 domains: dressing/grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip and common daily activities. Each domain has at least two component questions. There are four possible responses for each component ranging from 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). The overall HAQ-DI score is the average of each of the 8 category scores and ranges from 0 to 3, where 0 represents no disability and 3 very severe, high-dependency disability.

An AE was considered any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease associated with the use of the study drug, whether or not considered related to the study drug. ADRs were defined as any response to a drug which was noxious and unintended, and which occurred at dose normally used related to the pharmacological properties. A SAE was any experience that: resulted in death, was life-threatening, required in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, was a congenital anomaly/birth defect or was medically significant.