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- Frank Heldmann, Friedrich Dybowski, Ertan Saracbasi-Zender, Claas Fendler, and Jürgen Braun.
- Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Landgrafenstrasse 15, 44652, Herne, Germany. heldmann@rheumazentrum-ruhrgebiet.de
- Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2010 Oct 1; 12 (5): 325-31.
AbstractAxial spondyloarthritis, which includes ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic spondyloarthritis, is an important subtype of the spondyloarthritides. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are effective therapies for this partially heterogeneous group of rheumatic diseases in terms of signs, symptoms, and functioning, but they do not seem to substantially inhibit radiographic progression, which is mainly new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis. However, they clearly reduce inflammation, as shown by MRI. TNF blockers are also efficacious in the treatment of extraspinal features of spondyloarthritis. In addition, evidence indicates that anti-TNF therapy works well in early axial disease. Other biologics are currently being investigated, as alternatives are needed for patients who fail anti-TNF therapy.
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