Effect of biologics on radiographic progression of peripheral joint in patients with psoriatic arthritis: meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To determine the efficacy of biologics in preventing radiographic progression in peripheral joints of PsA patients. Methods Studies were searched in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and abstracts from the last three EULAR and ACR meetings up to 31 December 2019. Primary and secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients without radiographic progression and the mean change in total radiographic score at week 24. Results Eleven studies, involving 5382 patients, 9 drugs and 18 treatments, were included. Patients receiving biologics were more likely to achieve radiographic non-progression compared with placebo [odds ratio: pooled: 2.40, 95% CI: 2.00, 2.87; TNF inhibitors (TNFi): 2.94, 95% CI: 2.38, 3.63; IL inhibitors (ILi): 2.15, 95% CI: 1.69, 2.74; abatacept: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.28] and have significantly lower radiographic progression [standardized mean difference (SMD): pooled: −2.16, 95% CI: −2.91, −1.41; TNFi: −2.82, 95% CI: −4.31, −1.33; ILi: −1.60, 95% CI: −2.49, −0.72; abatacept: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.59, −0.21]. Concomitant MTX therapy was not superior to monotherapy (SMD: pooled: 0.01, 95% CI: −0.07, 0.08; biologics: 0.01, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.11; placebo: −0.01, 95% CI: −0.13, 0.12). The effect of ustekinumab and secukinumab on radiographic progression was not influenced by prior anti-TNF therapy (SMD: −0.08, 95% CI: −0.25, 0.10). Conclusion Biologic agents may retard radiographic progression in PsA patients in terms of bone erosion and joint space narrowing compared with placebo. MTX seems to have no added effect. Prior anti-TNF therapy seems to not influence the radiographic efficacy of IL blockers.