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Conventional treatments for ankylosing spondylitis
M Dougados1, B Dijkmans, M Khan
1Department of Rheumatology, René Descartes University, Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Faobourg Saint Jacques, F-75014 Paris, France. maxime.dougados@cch.ap-hop-paris.fr
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|October 17, 2002
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) management is difficult due to its progressive nature. Current treatments are palliative, highlighting the need for novel therapies that target inflammation and alter disease course.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a progressive inflammatory disease.
- Current treatments offer palliative care and often fail long-term.
- There is a lack of interventions that modify the underlying disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for ankylosing spondylitis.
- To identify limitations of existing treatments.
- To highlight the need for novel therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing ankylosing spondylitis treatments.
- Analysis of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
- Evaluation of evidence for current and emerging therapies.
Main Results:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are first-line but often become ineffective.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) show limited evidence and potential side effects.
- Intravenous bisphosphonates demonstrate moderate efficacy, warranting further study.
Conclusions:
- Effective long-term management of AS remains a challenge.
- Future treatments must target disease pathogenesis and control symptoms.
- Development of disease-modifying pharmacological agents is crucial for AS treatment.