Portuguese recommendations for the use of biological therapies in patients with axial spondyloarthritis--December 2011 update.
OBJECTIVE
To develop recommendations for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis with biological therapies, endorsed by the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology.


METHODS
These treatment recommendations were formulated by Portuguese rheumatologists based on literature evidence and consensus opinion. A draft of the recommendations and supporting evidence was first circulated to all Portuguese rheumatologists and their suggestions were incorporated in the draft. Secondly, at a national meeting the recommendations were presented, discussed and revised. Finally, the document resulting from this meeting was again circulated to all Portuguese rheumatologists, who anonymously voted online on the level of agreement with the recommendations.


RESULTS
A consensus was achieved regarding the initiation, assessment of response and switching biological therapies in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.


CONCLUSIONS
These recommendations may be used for guidance in deciding which patients with axial spondyloarthritis should be treated with biological therapies. They cover a rapidly evolving area of therapeutic intervention. As more evidence becomes available and more biological therapies are licensed, these recommendations will have to be updated.
Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal. pedrommcmachado@gmail.com
Pedro
P
Machado
Alexandra
A
Bernardo
Ana Rita
AR
Cravo
Ana
A
Rodrigues
Armando
A
Malcata
Dolores
D
Nour
Elsa
E
Vieira-Sousa
Fátima
F
Godinho
Fernando
F
Pimentel
Helena
H
Canhão
Helena
H
Santos
Inês
I
Cunha
João Eurico
JE
Fonseca
José
J
Costa
Lúcia
L
Costa
Luís
L
Cunha-Miranda
Luís
L
Maurício
Margarida
M
Cruz
Maria José
MJ
Santos
Miguel
M
Bernardes
Mónica
M
Bogas
Paula
P
Valente
Sofia
S
Ramiro
Anabela
A
Barcelos
D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000628:therapy*