WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Ashraf Ibrahim Gandary*, Dr. Fakhir Yousif Hussain, Dr. Ali Abdul-Rahman Younis

ABSTRACT

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting synovial joints of the hands and feet, primarily caused by TNFα. Etanercept, a fusion protein, acts as a competitive inhibitor, reducing pro-inflammatory effects. Treatment results in hematological changes, such as anemia and leukocyte levels. Aim: To study the association of blood investigation with etanercept in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Patients and Methods: This study analyzed 100 Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were referred to the biologics committee in Ibn-Sena Teaching Hospital from April-2019 to April-2020. The patients were diagnosed as RA by their physicians and referred to the biologic drug dispensing committee who made the final decision. Patients were given 50 mg of etanercept weekly and checked for effectiveness and safety after 3 and 6 months. Data was collected from the patients with rheumatic diseases treated with biological agents in the rheumatology department. Results: A study of 190 patients with RA found that 107 met inclusion criteria, leaving 100 who completed the study successfully. The mean age was 48.29 ± 12.81, with a mean disease duration of 12.05 ± 8.40. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 76% of patients, and ACCP positive in 9.3%. The mean MTX dose was 14.67 ± 3.58mg, and no significant changes in HB and WBC count were observed after treatment. Conclusion: Etanercept was associated with a reduction in platelet count after 6 months of treatment, with no significant changes in hemoglobin, WBC, serum SGOT, SGPT, urea, and creatinine.