Comparative efficacy and safety of etanercept and adalimumab in the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Etanercept and Adalimumab in the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). Methods: From Jan 2021 to Oct 2023, 66 pJIA patients were prospectively randomized into Etanercept (n = 33) and Adalimumab (n = 33) groups at our hospital. Efficacy, via Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score 10 (JADAS-10), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC) were assessed pre-treatment and at 1-, 3-, 6-month intervals post-treatment. Adverse reactions were monitored. Results: Two groups showed comparable efficacy (P > 0.05) at baseline in anti-CCP, TNF-α, CRP, ESR, WBC, and JADAS-10 score. Treatment for a period of 1 to 3 months led to statistically significant reductions in these markers over time (P < 0.05). Adalimumab group was found significantly lower levels of mentioned markers than Etanercept group at 1-3 months (P < 0.05), but after 6 months, statistical differences vanished (P > 0.05). Normal total bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine levels were detected post-3 months in both groups; with similar adverse reaction rates (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Both Etanercept and Adalimumab are effective and safe for managing pJIA, demonstrating significant reductions in inflammatory markers and disease activity with no significant difference in efficacy or safety profiles.

Background: Not applicable.