SMART Study: A Study of Re-treatment With MabThera (Rituximab) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Have Failed on Anti-TNF Alfa Therapy

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and serum CRP levels (measured in milligrams per liter [mg/L]) at each visit. Joint counts included swollen joint count (SJC) and tender joint count (TJC). Total score range was 0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. DAS28-CRP less than or equal to (≤)3.2 implied low disease activity, >3.2 to 5.1 implied moderate to high disease activity, and less than (<)2.6 equals (=) remission. The AUC of all DAS28-CRP values between Day 1 and Week 104 (15 values of protocol visits) was calculated using the trapeze method (AUC between t1 and t2=(t2-t1)*((DAS28-CRP at t1 + DAS28-CRP at t2)/2). The true visit dates were used to calculate the time between 2 DAS28-CRP evaluations. All the AUC were censored at Week 104 (linear extrapolation using the 2 last DAS28-CRP values (Weeks 96 and 104) to obtain the "true" DAS28-CRP value at the "true" Week 104).

Mean DAS28-CRP at Week 24 of the Initial Treatment study. DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range: 0 to 9.4, higher score indicated more disease activity. DAS28-CRP ≤3.2 implied low disease activity, >3.2 to 5.1 implied moderate to high disease activity, and <2.6=remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity, >3.2 to 5.1 implied moderate to high disease activity, and <2.6=remission.

Percentage of participants with clinical remission and low disease activity as measured by DAS28-CRP for Arm A and Arm B at Week 24 of the Initial Treatment, at 24 weeks after first re-treatment, and at 24 weeks after second retreatment. DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity and <2.6 = remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity, >3.2 to 5.1 implied moderate to high disease activity, and <2.6=remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP <2.6=remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP <2.6=remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP <2.6=remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP <2.6=remission.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity.

DAS28-CRP was based on joint counts, overall participant assessment, and the serum CRP level at each visit. Joint counts included SJC and TJC using the 28 joints count and CRP (mg/L). Total score range=0 to 9.4; a higher score indicated more disease activity. A DAS28-CRP score of ≤3.2 implied low disease activity.

ACR20/50/70 response defined as ≥20%, 50%, or 70% improvement, respectively, in TJC and SJC, and ≥20%, 50%, or 70% improvement, respectively, in at least 3 of 5 remaining ACR core measures: Patient Global Assessment of Pain, Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity, Physician's Global Assessment of Disease Activity (on a visual analog scale [VAS]); Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI); and CRP.

DAS28-based EULAR response criteria were used to measure individual response as no response, good, and moderate, depending on the extent of change from baseline and the level of disease activity reached. Good responders = change from baseline >1.2 with a DAS28 score of ≤3.2; moderate responders = change from baseline >1.2 with a DAS28 score of >3.2 to ≤ 5.1 or change from baseline >0.6 to ≤1.2 with a DAS28 score of ≤5.1; non-responders = change from baseline ≤0.6 or change from baseline >0.6 and ≤ 1.2 with a DAS28 score of >5.1.

DAS28-based EULAR response criteria were used to measure individual response as no response, good, and moderate, depending on the extent of change from baseline and the level of disease activity reached. Good responders = change from baseline >1.2 with a DAS28 score of ≤3.2; moderate responders = change from baseline >1.2 with a DAS28 score of >3.2 to ≤ 5.1 or change from baseline >0.6 to ≤1.2 with a DAS28 score of ≤5.1; non-responders = change from baseline ≤0.6 or change from baseline >0.6 and ≤ 1.2 with a DAS28 score of >5.1.

RF is the auto antibody directed against immunoglobulin G (IgG) and its concentration is observed in human serum or plasma. RF value higher than 20 international units per milliliter (IU/mL) is considered positive.

Anti-CCP antibodies are auto antibodies (antibodies directed against 1 or more of an individual's own proteins) that are frequently detected in the blood of rheumatoid arthritis participants. Anti-CCP antibodies value higher than 10 U/mL is considered positive.

The Physician's Global Assessment of disease activity is assessed on a 0 to 100 millimeter (mm) horizontal VAS by the physician. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no disease activity" (symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms) and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "maximum disease activity" (maximum arthritis disease activity). Physicians were asked to mark the line and the distance from the left edge was measured. Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high disease activity).

The Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity is assessed on a 0 to 100 mm horizontal VAS by the participant. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no disease activity" (symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms) and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "maximum disease activity" (maximum arthritis disease activity). Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high disease activity).

The participants assessed their pain over the past 24 hours on a 0 to 100 mm horizontal VAS. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no pain" and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "unbearable pain". Participants were asked to mark the line and the distance from the left edge was measured. Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high pain levels).

Participants were asked to rate their level of fatigue over the last 7 days on a 100-mm VAS. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no fatigue" and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "extreme fatigue". Participants were asked to mark the line and the distance from the left edge was measured. Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high levels of fatigue).

All cortisone intakes (in mg) were taken into account (oral, IV [including the cortisone administration before the rituximab infusion], intramuscular, and intra-articular).

All cortisone intakes were taken into account, including oral, IV (including the cortisone administration before the rituximab infusion), intramuscular and intra-articular.

HAQ-DI: participant-reported assessment of ability to perform tasks in 8 categories of daily living activities: dress/groom; arise; eat; walk; reach; grip; hygiene; and common activities over past week. Each item scored on 4-point scale from 0 to 3: 0=no difficulty; 1=some difficulty; 2=much difficulty; 3=unable to do. Overall score was computed as the sum of domain scores and divided by the number of domains answered. Total possible score range 0-3 where 0=least difficulty and 3 extreme difficulty.

Physical and Mental Health Composite Scores of SF-12 were computed using the scores of 12 questions and range from 0 to 100, where a 0 score indicates the lowest level of health measured by the scales and 100 indicates the highest level of health.

Mental Health Composite Scores of SF-12 were computed using the scores of 12 questions and range from 0 to 100, where a 0 score indicates the lowest level of health measured by the scales and 100 indicates the highest level of health.

The MOS Sleep Scale measures most constructs of sleep. The scale has a battery of questions to measure specific aspects of sleep in participants with co-morbidities. The SLP6 index is comprised of 6 items: provides a summary of sleep problems and contains questions from the sleep disturbance, sleep adequacy, respiratory impairment, and somnolence domains. The SLP6 index score ranges between 0 and 100, with higher values corresponding to more sleep problems.

Percentage of participants reporting acceptable symptom state: acceptance to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of disease activity they had during the last 48 hours; and unacceptable symptom state: not able to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of disease activity they had during the last 48 hours. In the case of missing data, participants who withdrew from the study because of inefficacy or toxicity were considered "unacceptable".

The Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity assessed in participants reporting acceptable symptom state using PASS (acceptance to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of disease activity they had during the last 48 hours) on a 0 to 100 mm horizontal VAS by the participant. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no disease activity" (symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms) and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "maximum disease activity" (maximum arthritis disease activity). Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high disease activity).

Participants were asked how their disease activity had been during the last 48 hours compared to baseline. Those participants that reported improvement assessed how important this improvement was to them; range: very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important. Binary response options: 1=improved very important, or improved moderately important; 2=slightly important, not at all important, no change, or worse-more disease activity.

The Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity was assessed in participants reporting MCII on a 0 to 100 mm horizontal VAS by the participant. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no disease activity" (symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms) and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "maximum disease activity" (maximum arthritis disease activity). Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high disease activity).

Percentage of participants reporting acceptable symptom state: acceptance to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of function they had during the last 48 hours; and unacceptable symptom state: not able to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of function they had during the last 48 hours. In the case of missing data, participants who withdrew from the study because of inefficacy or toxicity were considered "unacceptable".

HAQ-DI was assessed in participants reporting acceptable symptom state using PASS (acceptance to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of disease activity they had during the last 48 hours). HAQ-DI is a participant-reported assessment of ability to perform tasks in 8 categories of daily living activities: dress/groom; arise; eat; walk; reach; grip; hygiene; and common activities over past week. Each item scored on 4-point scale from 0 to 3: 0=no difficulty; 1=some difficulty; 2=much difficulty; 3=unable to do. Overall score was computed as the sum of domain scores and divided by the number of domains answered. Total possible score range 0-3 where 0=least difficulty and 3 extreme difficulty.

Participants were asked how their functioning had been during the last 48 hours compared to baseline. Those participants that reported improvement assessed how important this improvement was to them; range: very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important. Binary response options: 1=improved very important, or improved moderately important; 2=slightly important, not at all important, no change, or worse.

HAQ-DI was assessed in participants with MCII. HAQ-DI is a participant-reported assessment of ability to perform tasks in 8 categories of daily living activities: dress/groom; arise; eat; walk; reach; grip; hygiene; and common activities over past week. Each item scored on 4-point scale from 0 to 3: 0=no difficulty; 1=some difficulty; 2=much difficulty; 3=unable to do. Overall score was computed as the sum of domain scores and divided by the number of domains answered. Total possible score range 0-3 where 0=least difficulty and 3 extreme difficulty.

Percentage of participants reporting acceptable symptom state: acceptance to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of pain they had during the last 48 hours; and unacceptable symptom state: not able to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of pain they had during the last 48 hours. In the case of missing data, participants who withdrew from the study because of inefficacy or toxicity were considered "unacceptable".

Patient Global Assessment of Pain assessed in participants reporting acceptable symptom state using PASS (acceptance to remain for the rest of their lives with the level of pain they had during the last 48 hours) on a 0 to 100 mm horizontal VAS by the participant. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no pain" and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "unbearable pain". Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high pain levels).

Participants were asked how their pain had been during the last 48 hours compared to baseline. Those participants that reported improvement assessed how important this improvement was to them; range: very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important. Binary response options: 1=improved very important, or improved moderately important; 2=slightly important, not at all important, no change, or worse pain.

The participants assessed their pain over the past 24 hours on a 0 to 100 mm horizontal VAS. The left-hand extreme of the line equals 0 mm, and is described as "no pain" and the right-hand extreme equals 100 mm as "unbearable pain". Participants were asked to mark the line and the distance from the left edge was measured. Higher values correspond to worst state of participant (high pain levels).