Humira in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Do Bone Erosions Heal?

Studies on tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist (anti-TNF) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have found that radiographic erosions scores decreased in some patients. This suggests that erosive damage may "heal" in some RA patients treated with anti-TNF. However, it is not clarified whether the reduced scores are caused by technical issues as observer variation and image acquisition differences. Furthermore, radiography of erosions is a 2D representation of a 3D pathology and therefore not ideal for visualizing healing, if present. Verification of erosion healing under anti-TNF therapy with adalimumab (Humira) by optimal imaging methods, would markedly influence our perception of the effect and potential of adalimumab (Humira) for modifying structural joint damage in RA. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), allowing high-resolution 3D visualization of bone damage as well as the inflammatory activity in the bone (bone marrow edema/osteitis), is more sensitive for visualization of bone erosions than radiography. Computed Tomography (CT) is a 3D radiographic imaging technique, which is not suited for assessment of inflammation, but can be considered a reference method for assessment of bone damage, due to its direct 3D visualization of calcified tissue. Internationally recommended MRI scoring systems as well as methods for estimation of erosion volumes have been developed, with participation by our research group. Ultrasonography (US), even though less validated, is more sensitive than radiography and comparable to MRI in detecting bone erosions in RA joints. Additionally, US provides visualisation of soft tissue changes and synovitis, using gray-scale and Doppler US.

Repeated MRI, CT, US and radiographic examinations of RA joints with mild to moderate radiographic damage under adalimumab (Humira) therapy will allow detailed assessment of the extent of bone repair/healing during adalimumab (Humira) therapy.