Baricitinib in rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease: a literature review and national multicentre study of 72 patients

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib (BARI) in interstitial lung disease associated with RA (RA-ILD) in clinical practice. Methods : This was a national multicentre retrospective study of 72 RA-ILD patients treated with BARI. We analysed the following outcomes at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and at last follow-up: (i) dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council scale), (ii) forced vital capacity (FVC), (iii) diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), (iv) chest high-resolution CT (HRCT), (v) arthritis activity (DAS28-ESR), and (vi) CS-sparing effect. Additionally, we analysed the safety data and performed a literature review up to December 2023. Results We included 72 patients (52 women; mean (s.d.) age 68 (10) years). All patients had received DMARDs. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] ILD duration up to BARI initiation was 25 [13–63] months. The most frequent ILD patterns were usual interstitial pneumonia (n = 33; 49%) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 22; 32%). BARI was used in monotherapy in 43 (60%) patients and combined with conventional synthetic DMARDs in 29 (40%). Mean (s.d.) baseline values of FVC and DLCO (% predicted) were 86 (28) and 69 (20), respectively. After a median [IQR] follow-up of 32 [13–65] months, dyspnea, FVC, DLCO and HRCT improved or stabilized in 90%, 88%, 65% and 72%, respectively. The mean DAS28-ESR improved from 4.29 to 2.99, and the median prednisone dose was reduced from 5 to 2.5 mg/day. Relevant adverse events were uncommon. Conclusion BARI may be a useful and safe alternative in both pulmonary and joint disease in RA-ILD patients, even in refractory cases.