Bisphosphonates - Targeting bone in the treatment of spondyloarthritis

H. Haibel¹, J. Braun², W.P. Maksymowych³

¹Benjamin Franklin Hospital, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; ²Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Herne, Germany; ³Rheumatology Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

ABSTRACT
The increased prevalence of osteoporosis and recognition of the importance of subchondral bone marrow inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis, together with in vitro and animal model data indicating that bisphosphonates may possess anti-inflammatory properties, constitute a theoretical rationale for their evaluation in this disease. Open evaluation of intravenous pamidronate in some but not all studies has demonstrated efficacy whilst controlled evaluation of a monthly regime has shown that therapy is efficacious in about 60% of patients, although effects are delayed, treatment being necessary for at least 6 months.

Key words
Ankylosing spondylitis, pamidronate, bisphosphonates, therapy.

Please address correspondence to: Prof. Walter P. Maksymowych, 562 Heritage Medical Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada.

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2002; 20: (Suppl. 28): S162-S166.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2002.