title: [The role of biological agents in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, literature review].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The recognition of the key pathogenetic role of TNF-alpha in psoriatic arthritis has made it possible to introduce new drugs in the treatment. TNF-alpha inhibitors available in Hungary (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) are potential therapies for patients who have not adequately responded to traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to present the epidemiology and progression of psoriatic arthritis in Hungary based on national and international data, to assess the target population for biological therapy and to analyze their effectiveness, reviewing the available literature of randomized controlled trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in Hungary was estimated using international data. Characteristics of psoriatic arthritis population were studied using the database of a rheumatology ward. A systematic literature search was performed to identify each relevant trial. A synthesis and comparison of the results from the 5 identified trials was performed and the average effect of biological agents was calculated. Both the fixed and the random effect model were used for the data synthesis; the results were probed with Mantel-Haenzel test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis is about 10.000-20.000 in Hungary. Average disease-duration was 10 years in the sample (n = 189), the most frequent was polyarticular form (51%). Regarding functional status the mean HAQ score was 1.46, with an average progression of 0.05 points/year. The trial data confirmed that biological agents are superior to placebo in improving symptoms (achieving ACR20); risk difference between biological treatments and placebo is 47% (RD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.42-0.53). The biological treatment of 2 patients improves the status of 1 patient (NNT = 2.1 95% CI 1.9-2.4). There is no significant difference in efficacy between the three biological agents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TNF-alpha inhibitors are effective treatments of psoriatic arthritis and are safe under strict medical control. The principles of indications, contraindications, administration and control have been worked out by the Rheumatology and Physical Medicine Board.
authors.affiliation: Budai Irgalmasrendi Kórház, II. Reumatológiai Osztály. koo@irgalmas.hu
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koó
authors.forename: Valentin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brodszky
authors.forename: Márta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Péntek
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ujfalussy
authors.forename: Marianna Bettina
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Nagy
authors.forename: László
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gulácsi
mesh_terms: D000068879:Adalimumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000068800:Etanercept; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069285:Infliximab; D015995:Prevalence; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012107:Research Design; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab; D000068879:Adalimumab; D000068800:Etanercept