title: Bisphosphonates--targeting bone in the treatment of spondyloarthritis.
abstract: The increased prevalence of osteoporosis and recognition of the importance of subchondral bone marrow inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis, together with in vitro and animal model data indicating that bisphosphonates may possess anti-inflammatory properties, constitute a theoretical rationale for their evaluation in this disease. Open evaluation of intravenous pamidronate in some but not all studies has demonstrated efficacy whilst controlled evaluation of a monthly regime has shown that therapy is efficacious in about 60% of patients, although effects are delayed, treatment being necessary for at least 6 months.
authors.affiliation: Benjamin Franklin Hospital, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haibel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Maksymowych
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D000077268:Pamidronate; D019233:Retreatment; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077268:Pamidronate