Evaluation of combined anti-anaemia and DMARD therapy for rheumatoid arthritis-related anaemia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
Combination therapy improved anaemia more effectively than monotherapy, with notable clinical benefits observed in younger patients and those with severe anaemia.
Study context
- Population
- Hospitalised patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related anaemia, 2020 to 2025
- Participants
- 167 patients
- Exposure
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) plus anti-anaemic drugs vs DMARD monotherapy
- Outcome
- Hb normalisation
Methodological detailslogistic regression, Spearman correlation analysis, predefined subgroup analyses
- Logistic regression
- Spearman correlation analysis
- Predefined subgroup analyses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
P = 0.005
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Difference (g/L) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Increase in Hb concentration | 5.29 | P = 0.030 |
Benefit of combination therapy by subgroup (age <65 years; severe anaemia at baseline)
- RA patients younger than 65 years and those with severe anaemia at baseline derived the greatest clinical benefits from combination therapy
- P < 0.05
Correlation of ΔHb with reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- ΔHb correlated negatively with reductions in ESR (Spearman r)
- r= −0.421, p<0.001
Original publication
Evaluation of combined anti-anaemia and DMARD therapy for rheumatoid arthritis-related anaemia: a retrospective cohort study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 16 May 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →