A Study of RoActemra/Actemra (Tocilizumab) in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Have an Inadequate Response to DMARDs (REMISSION)

Percentage of participants discontinuing study treatment for any reason at every visit; causes of discontinuation in the summary included AEs, deaths, lost to follo-wup, AE and investigator decision and 'not determined'.

The difference between baseline and highest values until Week 24 of ALT and AST. The values are measures as international units per liter (UI/L). The change was calculated as the value (highest) at a later timepoint up to Week 24, minus the value at Baseline.

Levels of LDL and TC were measured in milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL). Change in LDL and TC were calculated as the value (highest) through Week 24, minus the value at Baseline.

Lipid panel assessed included TC, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and LDL. Elevations were categorized as follows: LDL cholesterol: Optimal equals (=) less than (<)100 mg/dL, Near optimal=100-129 mg/dL, Borderline high 130-159 mg/dL, High 160-189 mg/dL, Very High ≥190 mg/dL; Total cholesterol: Desirable <200 mg/dL, Borderline high 200-239 mg/dL, High ≥240 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol: Low <40 mg/dL, High ≥60 mg/dL; Triglycerides: Normal <150 mg/dL, Borderline high 150-199 mg/dL, High 200-499 mg/dL, and Very high ≥500 mg/dL.

DAS28 was calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joint count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; in millimeters per hour [mm/hour]) and global health assessment (participant-rated global assessment of disease activity using 10-mm visual analog assessment [VAS]); DAS28 score ranged from 0 to 10, where higher scores correspond to greater disease activity. DAS28 less than or equal to (≤3.2) = low disease activity, DAS28 greater than (>)3.2 to less than or equal to (≤) 5.1=moderate to high disease activity; DAS28 >5.1=high disease activity.

DAS28 was calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joint count, the ESR (mm/hour) and global health assessment (participant-rated global assessment of disease activity using 10-mm VAS); DAS28 score ranged from 0 to 10, where higher scores correspond to greater disease activity. DAS28 ≤3.2 =low disease activity, DAS28 >3.2 to ≤5.1=moderate to high disease activity; DAS28 >5.1=high disease activity.

DAS28 was calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joint count, the ESR (mm/hour) and global health assessment (participant-rated global assessment of disease activity using 10-mm VAS); DAS28 score ranged from 0 to 10, where higher scores correspond to greater disease activity. A reduction in DAS28 of at least 1.2 units was considered a clinically meaningful improvement.

A clinically meaningful improvement in DAS28 was defined as a reduction of at least 1.2 units. Time to achieving clinically meanigful improvement was calculated as the number of days from the first infusion to the first achievement of reduction of 1.2 units in DAS28.

DAS28 was calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joint count, the ESR (mm/hour) and global health assessment (participant-rated global assessment of disease activity using 10-mm VAS); DAS28 score ranged from 0 to 10, where higher scores correspond to greater disease activity. Participants with a DAS28 score <2.6 were considered to have achieved remission.

The ACR response rates ACR20, ACR50, ACR70 are defined as ≥20%, ≥50%, ≥70% improvement, respectively, in: swollen joint count (SJC) (66 joints) and tender joint count (TJC) (68 joints) and 3 of the following 5 assessments: Patient assessment of pain (VAS); Patient global assessment of disease activity (VAS); Investigator global assessment of disease activity (VAS); and acute phase response (ESR or CRP)

The following 28 joints were assessed by the physician for swelling: metacarpophalangeal I-V (10), thumb interphalangeal (2), hand proximal interphalangeal II-V (8), wrist (2), elbow (2), shoulders (2), and knees (2). The following 28 joints were assessed by the physician for tenderness : metacarpophalangeal I-V (10), thumb interphalangeal (2), hand proximal interphalangeal II-V (8), wrist (2), elbow (2), shoulders (2), and knees (2). The change in SJC and TJC was determined as the difference in values from baseline at each visit.

HAQ was used to assess the physical ability and functional status of participants as well as quality of life. The disability dimension consists of 20 multiple-choice items concerning difficulty in performing 8 common activities of daily living; dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, reaching, personal hygiene, gripping and activities. Participants choose from 4 response categories, ranging from 'without any difficulty' (Score=0) to 'unable to do' (Score=3). The change in HAQ was determined as the difference in values from baseline at each visit.

The participant's overall assessment of their current disease activity was displayed on a 100-mm horizontal VAS. The left-hand extreme (0 mm) of the line was described as "no disease activity" (symptom free and no arthritis symptoms) and the right-hand extreme (100 mm) was described as "maximum disease activity" (maximum arthritis disease activity). The change in Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity was determined as the difference in values from baseline at each visit.

The physician's assessment of the participant's current disease activity was displayed on a 100-mm horizontal VAS. The left-hand extreme of the line (0 mm) was described as "no disease activity" (symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms) and the right-hand extreme (100 mm) was described as "maximum disease activity". The Physician's Global Assessment of Disease Activity was completed by the Efficacy Assessor who could or could not be a physician. The change in Physician's Global Assessment of Disease Activity was determined as the difference in values from baseline at each visit.

The participant's assessment of their current level of pain was displayed on a 100-mm horizontal VAS. The left-hand extreme (0 mm) of the line was described as "no pain" and the right-hand extreme of the line (100 mm) was described as "unbearable pain". The change in participant's perception of pain was determined as the difference in values from baseline at each visit.

CRP is an acute phase inflammatory marker. Levels of CRP increase with inflammation. The change in CRP was determined as the difference in values from baseline and at each visit.

ESR indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body. A higher ESR is indicative of increased inflammation. The change in ESR was determined as the difference in values from baseline at each visit.