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Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Infliximab in severe active ankylosing spondylitis with spinal ankylosis
P P M Cheung1, K E Tymms, B J Wilson
1Department of Rheumatology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. cheungppm@yahoo.com.au
Internal Medicine Journal
|March 14, 2008
Summary
Infliximab effectively treats active ankylosing spondylitis, even in patients with established spinal ankylosis. This anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy improves symptoms and quality of life in real-world clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- Infliximab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agent, is effective for active AS.
- Limited data exist on infliximab's efficacy in AS patients with spinal ankylosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare infliximab treatment response in active severe AS patients with and without spinal ankylosis.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes in a real-world clinical practice setting.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 27 active AS patients (11 with spinal ankylosis) were treated with infliximab (5 mg/kg) for 54 weeks.
- Treatment qualification and response were assessed using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefit Schedule (PBS) criteria and international consensus measures.
- Disease activity and outcomes were compared between subgroups at baseline and 1 year.
Main Results:
- Patients with spinal ankylosis were older and had higher baseline disease activity, particularly morning stiffness.
- All patients, including those with spinal ankylosis, met PBS criteria for continued treatment.
- Significant improvements in quality of life and return to full-time employment were observed in the spinal ankylosis subgroup.
Conclusions:
- Infliximab demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in patients with established spinal ankylosis and high disease activity.
- Real-world data support infliximab as a treatment option for severe ankylosing spondylitis, irrespective of spinal ankylosis.
- This study highlights the benefits of anti-TNF therapy in a challenging subgroup of AS patients.
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