title: Thalidomide in ankylosing spondylitis.
abstract: Despite potential side effects dominated by teratogenicity and peripheral neuropathy, thalidomide has recently been used to treat severe ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Over 50 patients have been treated across several 6-12 month open studies. Altogether 68% of the patients improved and the drop-out rate was 19%. Inhibition of NF-kappaB and/or TNFalpha is a putative mechanism for thalidomide efficacy in AS.
authors.affiliation: Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: J C C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breban
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013723:Teratogens; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D013723:Teratogens; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D013792:Thalidomide