Safety and Effectiveness of Adalimumab in Patients Diagnosed With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The safety and tolerability of adalimumab was assessed at each study visit. The overall number of participants experiencing serious adverse events (SAEs), non-serious adverse events (AEs) and AEs that led to discontinuation are presented. The number of participants presenting with any serious or non-serious event at each particular study visit is also reported. Note that for the incidence data participants were counted multiple times if they experienced an adverse event at more than 1 visit. For additional information see Reported Adverse Events.

The DAS 28 index measures disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis and is derived from the number swollen/tender joints, laboratory tests of inflammation, and participant assessment of global health (by marking a 10 cm line from "very good" to "very bad"). Ranges were used to classify participants, with a higher score indicating worse control of disease: Remission (<= 2.6), Low Disease Activity (>2.6 to <=3.2), Moderate Disease Activity (>3.2 to <= 5.1) and High Disease Activity (>5.1). The mean change in DAS 28 score from baseline to final is presented.

The DAS 28 index measures disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis and is derived from the number swollen/tender joints, laboratory tests of inflammation, and participant assessment of global health (by marking a 10 cm line from "very good" to "very bad"). Ranges were used to classify participants, with a higher score indicating worse control of disease: Remission (<= 2.6), Low Disease Activity (>2.6 to <=3.2), Moderate Disease Activity (>3.2 to <= 5.1) and High Disease Activity (>5.1). The percentage reduction of baseline values is presented.

The treating physician was to clinically assess each participant at each study visit and report the number of painful and swollen joints. The mean number of painful or swollen joints for participants evaluated at each time point are presented by subgroup. The number of participants evaluated in each subgroup at each time point are also reported.

Quality of life was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The HAQ is a self-reported scale used in studies of rheumatoid arthritis to assess areas such as dressing/grooming arising, eating, walking, reach, grip, maintaining hygiene, and daily activities. The global HAQ questionnaire was scored as follows: <1 = no/mild disability, 1 to 2 = moderate disability, and >2 = severe disability. An increased score indicates a worsening of the disability. The mean change in global HAQ score from baseline to 12 months is reported (baseline value - final value).

Quality of life was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The HAQ is a self-reported scale used in studies of rheumatoid arthritis to assess areas such as dressing/grooming arising, eating, walking, reach, grip, maintaining hygiene, and daily activities. The global HAQ questionnaire was scored as follows: <1 = no/mild disability, 1 to 2 = moderate disability, and >2 = severe disability. An increased score indicates a worsening of the disability. The percentage change from baseline to 12 months (12-month score minus baseline score divided by baseline score) is presented.

Treating physicians were asked to obtain a structural damage assessment by performing x-rays of the hands and feet approximately 1 year after the previous structural damage assessment that was done prior to the participant entering the study. The number of participants with radiological erosions evaluated at baseline and the 12-month visit are summarized by subgroup.