Background:
The Australian Pharmaceutical Subsidised Scheme approval of etanercept in 2003 for use in the management of JIA heralded a new era in disease management. Over the last two decades the availability, indications and use of other biologic therapies in the management of JIA have continued to grow. The rationale for the use of these costly and complex therapies is based on control trial evidence of superior outcomes. A real-world comparison of outcomes before and after the widespread of these medications was undertaken.
Aims :
To compare clinical course, treatment, and outcomes of children with JIA in a defined geographical population prior to and following the widespread use of biologic agents. To compare this Australian cohort with international and national JIA data.
Methods :
A retrospective review of all JIA cases meeting ILAR (JIA) Edmonton 2001 Classification in the ACT / SE NSW Health catchment area in two separate cohorts. Cohort 1 patients diagnosed prior to 01/01/2003 with first presentation under age 16 years. Cohort 2 patients first presentation after 01/07/2003. Outcomes to be reported and compared include (1) Clinical remission as per Wallace criteria1; (2) Rate of relapse; (3) Drug-related adverse events and (4) Radiological damage.
Results :
Interim results to be presented.
Conclusions:
To be determined.