title: [Therapeutic use of anti-TNF-alpha agents in spondyloarthropathies].
abstract: CLASSICAL DATA: Spondyloarthropathies regroup several rheumatological entities (ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic rheumatism, entero-colopathic disease rheumatism, undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies ) with validated diagnosis criteria. Drug therapy is based upon NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatories). Refractory forms may lead to severe functional impairment, raising the need of more effective treatments. IN FAVOUR OF ANTI-TNF-ALPHA AGENTS: Several arguments (TNF-alpha serum levels, elevated levels of mRNA, TNF messengers, in sacro iliac biopsies, efficacy of anti TNF-alpha agents in Crohn's disease ) justify the use of anti-TNF-alpha agents in the treatment of spondyloarthropathies. Two biologic agents have been assessed in these circumstances: a monoclonal antibody (Infliximab) and a soluble form of the TNF receptor (Etanercept). EFFICACY AND SAFETY: Results of open and controlled studies, although on small series, demonstrated the significant efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha agents on the various clinical, biological, functional and quality of life parameters, and confirmed by imaging (MRI ). Tolerance is fair, but two cases of diffuse tuberculosis have been reported with Infliximab. THERAPEUTIC PROGRESS: Even if additional studies are required to answer some questions (long term efficacy and safety, treatment modalities), anti TNF agents appear as a therapeutic progress in refractory spondyloarthropathies, for which few validated options have existed up till now.
authors.affiliation: Service de rhumatologie, CHU Jean Minjoz, Besançon. daniel.wendling@ufc-chu.univ-fcomte.fr
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wendling
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Claudepierre
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lohse
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Toussirot
authors.forename: Maxime
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breban
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068800:Etanercept; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069285:Infliximab; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab; D000068800:Etanercept