Medical and surgical treatment of seronegative spondyloarthropathies

Advances in the treatment of the seronegative spondyloarthropathies are reviewed here. The search for effective disease-modifying agents in this group of disorders has continued. Recent attention has focused primarily on sulfasalazine and different immunosuppressive agents. Sulfasalazine has been evaluated by several groups of investigators in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Results have been variable, but data suggest that sulfasalazine is less effective for spinal disease than for peripheral joint involvement. Preliminary studies have shown that cyclosporine and other immunosuppressive agents are beneficial in patients with psoriasis and Behçet's disease. Azathioprine appears to be highly effective in Behçet's disease.