[Anti-TNF alpha in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis].
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.
Lanfant-Weybel
Karine
K
Service de rhumatologie, CHU de Rouen-Hôpitaux de Rouen, Inserm 905, F-76031 Rouen Cedex, France.
Lequerré
Thierry
T
Vittecoq
Olivier
O