Researchers conducted a multicenter trial involving 425 people with rheumatoid arthritis. The study specifically compared how the disease progressed in two groups: those who developed it later in life (over age 65) and those diagnosed at a younger age (between 18 and 65). Both groups followed the same "treat-to-target" strategy, which uses a fixed medication protocol to manage symptoms.
The results showed that both age groups had similar disease activity levels over two years. However, patients in the older group were less likely to have active disease and more likely to reach sustained remission compared to younger patients. Additionally, the older group required fewer biologic medications and had lower rates of difficult-to-treat cases.
Safety data showed that both groups tolerated the treatment well. While some adjustments were made due to side effects, these occurred at similar rates for both age groups. The study suggests that a treat-to-target approach is an effective and safe way to manage rheumatoid arthritis in older adults.
