Efficacy and Safety of Biological Drugs in Still's Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Published in: Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
• Main Authors: Kilic, Berkay, Ozturk, Admir, Karup, Sejla, Hacioglu, Ervanur, Ugurlu, Serdal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 22.05.2024
• Subjects: rilonacept; systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis; anakinra; tocilizumab; canakinumab; Still’s disease
• ISSN: 1462-0332
• DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae295

Still's disease is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by systemic inflammation, fever, rash, and arthritis. The term "Still's disease" covers the pediatric subtype systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), which affects adults. Biological drugs, including anti-interleukin-1 agents anakinra, canakinumab, rilonacept, and the interleukin-6 antagonist tocilizumab, are used in the management of Still's disease. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, and the study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023450442). MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were screened from inception until September 17, 2023. We included patients with Still's disease who received placebo or biological drugs: anakinra, canakinumab, rilonacept, or tocilizumab. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were achievement of ACR50 response and occurrence of serious adverse events, respectively. The interventions were ranked using rankograms and SUCRA values. Nine trials with 430 patients were included. All biological drugs were associated with greater odds of ACR50 response compared with placebo. There was no statistically significant association between biological drugs and serious adverse events. The multivariate meta-analysis found no difference between biological drugs. As per SUCRA rankings, anakinra was the most effective and safe option with respect to ACR50 response and occurrence of serious adverse events. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of biological drugs in pediatric and adult patients with Still's disease. Biological drugs were effective in achieving ACR response and demonstrated a low adverse event profile in the management of Still's disease.