Treatment update on spondyloarthropathy. From NSAIDs and DMARDs to anti-TNF-alpha agents.
Traditionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic agents (DMARDs) have been used to control the symptoms of spondyloarthropathy. With the advent of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) agents, however, it is now possible to slow disease progression, improve overall function, and provide symptomatic relief of arthritis, skin lesions, and bowel inflammation associated with these disorders. Here, Drs Anandarajah and Ritchlin explore the effectiveness of conventional therapies as well as biologic agents that are currently available or under development.
Anandarajah
Allen P
AP
Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642, USA.
Ritchlin
Christopher T
CT
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D025242:Spondylarthropathies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha