Differences in biologic dose-escalation, non-biologic and steroid intensification among three anti-TNF agents: evidence from clinical practice.

Objectives: To evaluate prevalence of dose escalation among RA patients in normal clinical practice treated with etanercept, adalimumab or infliximab and to estimate its economic impact.

Methods: A retrospective observational study of 739 patients with RA receiving continuous treatment with etanercept (n=319), adalimumab (n=313) or infliximab (n=107) for 18 months. Dose escalation, intensification of concomitant DMARDs and risk of dose escalation were evaluated, as well as costs.

Estimation of symptom-free days in generalized anxiety disorder.

Objective: The efficacy of treatments for generalized anxiety disorder has usually been measured in terms of response or remission of symptoms. These endpoints, however, may not adequately capture the transient periods of symptom abatement and relapse characteristic of chronic psychiatric disorders. Here, we evaluate the measurement of treatment effectiveness in terms of the number of symptom-free days (SFDs).