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Spondyloarthropathies (SpA)

 

Withdrawal of biologic therapy in axial spondyloarthritis: the experience in early disease


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CER6893
2013 Vol.31, N°4 ,Suppl.78
PI 0037, PF 0042
Spondyloarthropathies (SpA)

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PMID: 24129135 [PubMed]

Received: 22/08/2013
Accepted : 26/08/2013
In Press: 03/10/2013
Published: 03/10/2013

Abstract

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNF-blockers) are recommended for the treatment of predominantly axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), after failure of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). TNF-blockers are very effective drugs and also show a sustained and stable long-term response in axial SpA. A few trials indicated that withdrawal of TNF-blockers in longstanding ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not feasible. However, a recent trial in very early axial SpA suggests that reaching a state of biologic-free low disease activity may be a realistic goal in some patients. This review summarises the available data concerning withdrawal of biologic therapies in early axial SpA.

Rheumatology Article