Efficacy and Safety of Biologic Agents in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: The increasing use of biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis marks a pivotal shift in disease management, necessitating rigorous evaluation of their efficacy and safety. Given their high cost, variable patient response, and potential for serious adverse effects, a systematic synthesis of randomized controlled trials is essential. Such analysis informs evidence-based clinical decisions, supports personalized treatment strategies, and ensures optimal resource allocation in the evolving landscape of RA therapy.Material and methods: This systematic review rigorously identified and analyzed randomized controlled trials evaluating biologic agents in adult rheumatoid arthritis patients. Comprehensive database searches and strict eligibility criteria ensured inclusion of high-quality studies reporting on efficacy and safety outcomes. Independent data extraction and bias assessment using standardized tools minimized error and enhanced validity. Statistical and clinical heterogeneity were carefully evaluated, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses conducted to ensure robust, reliable conclusions on biologic therapy effectiveness and safety.Results: A systematic search identified ۲۷۸ records, with ۲۵۷ remaining after duplicate removal. Screening titles and abstracts excluded ۲۰۲ records. Of the ۵۵ full-text articles assessed, ۴۹ were excluded for reasons including not meeting inclusion criteria, non-randomized design, or insufficient endpoints. Ultimately, six high-quality randomized controlled trials on biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis were included, ensuring robust and relevant evidence for this review.Conclusion: A thorough systematic search identified ۲۷۸ records, with ۲۵۷ unique studies screened after duplicate removal. Title and abstract screening excluded ۲۰۲ records, and full-text review of ۵۵ articles led to exclusion of ۴۹ for methodological or relevance issues.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biologic Disease ، Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) ، Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment ، Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) ، Therapeutic Safety and Efficacy