title: [Anti-TNF alpha in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis].
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are, with psoriatic arthritis, the most frequent rheumatic diseases. A better understanding of pathophysiology of these diseases had led to the development of new treatments refered as to biologic agents and, among them, TNF blocking agents have a major role. The knowledge of these drugs in terms of mechanisms of action, indications and potentials side effects has to be known to improve the efficacy/tolerance balance. Although these 3 anti-TNFalpha agents are currently used, new TNF blocking agents are under evaluation and should increase the number of drugs available within the next months.
authors.affiliation: Service de rhumatologie, CHU de Rouen-Hôpitaux de Rouen, Inserm 905, F-76031 Rouen Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lanfant-Weybel
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lequerré
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Vittecoq