[Radiological progression and life quality analysis in ankylosing spondylitis patients using etanercept/methotrexate combination therapy].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the relationship between the radiological progression and quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients using etanercept/methotrexate (MTX) combination therapy.

METHODS:

A total of 153 AS cases fulfilling the 1984 modified New York diagnostic criteria were reviewed. All patients received radiological evolution at baseline and during a follow-up period. Radiological progression, clinical remission and life quality were recorded and analyzed for their relations.

RESULTS:

The radiological assessments of mSASSS (modified Stoke ankylosing spondylitis spine score) were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 & 12 months after treatment. Life quality assessments were recorded with SF (short-form)-36 simultaneously. No significant radiological improvement was observed at the end points. However, most patients reported a significant improvement of life quality after a combination therapy of etanercept/MTX. BASDAI (Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index), C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate demonstrated similar trends. With no relevance with mSASSS, life quality was significantly correlated with disease activity and pain control.

CONCLUSION:

The combination therapy of etanercept/MTX greatly improves life quality in AS patients. Yet clinical remission and pain control offer no hint of a suspension of radiological progression. Routine radiological assessment is required throughout the follow-up period of AS even if life quality index reaches a high level.

• Authors: Yu Wang, Fan Lian, Jia-ping Li, Wei Chen, Xiu-yan Yang, Nian-sheng Yang, Jian-yong Yang, Quan-fei Meng
• Journal: Zhonghua yi xue za zhi (Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi) Vol. 91 Issue 15 Pg. 1022-5 (Apr 19 2011) ISSN: 0376-2491 [Print] China
• PMID: 21609635 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antirheumatic Agents
• Immunoglobulin G
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Etanercept
• Methotrexate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antirheumatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Etanercept
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Methotrexate (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Quality of Life
• Radiography
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (therapeutic use)
• Spondylitis, Ankylosing (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult