Cyclosporine in Resistant Systemic Arthritis - A Cheaper Alternative to Biologics

ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of cyclosporine (CsA) in patients of oral steroid unresponsive or steroid dependent systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA); to evaluate the optimum dosage and blood level of CsA to achieve and maintain remission and to observe for side-effects on prolonged usage.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted on children with steroid dependent /refractory sJIA admitted at the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata from July 2009 through November 2014. A total of 82 sJIA was diagnosed; 15 were steroid dependent /refractory and were included as candidates for cyclosporine therapy.ResultsCsA was used in 15 patients; 13 showed a favourable response with significant steroid sparing effect and minimal toxicity.ConclusionCsA was found to be effective in almost 75% of frequently relapsing steroid dependent sJIA to achieve and maintain remission. The average cost of therapy for a 20kg patient on CsA was found to be 10,000 INR (132 EURO)/ patient over a 6 mo period; which would amount to 100,000 INR (1318 EURO)/patient with Tocilizumab for the same duration.