Class-switched B cells display response to therapeutic B-cell depletion in rheumatoid arthritis

Table 1 Baseline patient characteristics given in absolute number and percentage

Baseline patient characteristic	Absolute number	Percentage
Gender distribution (female)	30/35	85%
RF-positive	21/35	60%
CCP antibody-positive	21/35	60%
RF- and anti-CCP-positive	18/35	54%
Erosive disease	26/35	74%
Extra-articular manifestations 6/35 17% Age at disease onset, years	38^a
Age at inclusion, years	55^a
Disease duration at inclusion, months	108^a
Number of previous DMARDs	2.9^b
Number of previous anti-TNF agents	1.6^b
Concurrent MTX alone	22	63%
DMARD combination including MTX	2	6%
Leflunomide	4	11%
Prednisone dose, mg/day	10^a

^aThe median value is presented. ^bThe mean value is presented. CCP, cyclic citrullinated peptide; DMARD, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; MTX, methotrexate; RF, rheumatoid factor; TNF, tumour necrosis factor.

ISSN: 1478-6362