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Infliximab in spondylarthropathy--influence on bone density
1Rheumatology Department, René Descartes University, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|December 5, 2002
Summary
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients treated with anti-TNFalpha therapy showed improved bone mineral density (BMD). This suggests infliximab may benefit bone health in Spondylarthropathy (SpA).
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Bone Metabolism
- Immunology
Background:
- Osteoporosis is common in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), particularly with active disease.
- Conventional treatments like NSAIDs do not appear to prevent bone loss.
- Inflammatory cytokines are suspected contributors to bone loss in AS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of infliximab, an anti-TNFalpha monoclonal antibody, on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with Spondylarthropathy (SpA).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 29 patients with SpA treated with infliximab.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at baseline and after 6 months.
- Osteocalcin levels were measured at baseline and week 6.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in BMD was observed at both the spine and total hip after 6 months of treatment.
- Osteocalcin levels increased between baseline and week 6.
Conclusions:
- Anti-TNFalpha therapy, specifically infliximab, demonstrates a beneficial effect on BMD in patients with SpA.
- This improvement may be mediated by an uncoupling effect on bone cells, potentially counteracting inflammatory bone loss.