Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3343651 Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology 2006 12 Pages PDF
Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory arthropathy that affects young adults. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Conventional therapeutic regimes have traditionally been insufficient to control symptoms and signs of disease, and have failed to halt disease progression. However, the outlook of AS has changed with the advent of biological agents that block pivotal inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor-α. Ongoing research has proven these agents to be efficacious and safe in the short and medium term. Further, longer-term trials are awaited to address the issue of whether these therapies are true disease modifiers in AS.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Immunology, Allergology and Rheumatology
Authors
, , ,