Review of Routine Laboratory Monitoring for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Biologic or Nonbiologic DMARDs
Table 6
Summary of recommended frequencies of laboratory monitoring for patients with RA receiving .
Lipids
AST and ALT
Neutrophils and platelets
MTX, LEF, SSZ
—
Initially: every 2–4 weeks After ~1–3 months: every 1–3 months After ~6–2 months: every 3 months or based on clinical judgment
Initially: every 2–4 weeks After ~1–3 months: every 1–3 months After ~6–12 months: every 3 months or based on clinical judgment
GLU
Initially: 1 month after initiation After 1 month: every 6–12 months
—
—
TCZ
Initially: 4–8 weeks after initiation After 1–2 months: every 6 months
Initially: 4–8 weeks after initiation After 1-2 months: every 3 months
Initially: 4–8 weeks after initiation After 1-2 months: every 3 months
TOF
Initially: 4–8 weeks after initiation
Routine
Initially: 4–8 weeks after initiation After 1-2 months: every 3 months
RTX
—
—
Every 2-3 months
aTNF
—
aTNFs administered in combination with MTX should follow the MTX monitoring guidelines
aTNFs administered in combination with MTX should follow the MTX monitoring guidelines
ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; aTNF, anti-tumor necrosis factor agent; DMARD, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; GLU, glucocorticoid; LEF, leflunomide; MTX, methotrexate; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; RTX, rituximab; SSZ, sulfasalazine; TCZ, tocilizumab; TOF, tofacitinib. , golimumab, and rituximab are indicated for RA only when administered in combination with MTX. Monitoring frequency should follow that of the recommendations for MTX.