[Management of the patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in partial remission with biologic therapy: is it possible to suspend treatment?].

Abstract

The management of patients with AS and a good clinical response to biologic therapy is controversial. The results of the different published papers suggest that the suspension of treatment is not a good therapeutic option in these patients. There is currently no validated definition for clinical remission in patients with AS. A hypothetical definition should include the absence of signs and symptoms of disease in any localization, associated to the lack of progression of the disease and all of this during a period of time long enough to establish its persistence with time. In our experience, those patients presenting an apparent clinical remission, based on the previously established definition, could be considered for temporary treatment suspension, especially if we take into account that the reintroduction of treatment is safe and effective.

• Authors: Jordi Gratacós Masmitjà
• Journal: Reumatologia clinica (Reumatol Clin) Vol. 6 Suppl 1 Pg. 47-50 (Mar 2010) ISSN: 1885-1398 [Electronic] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Manejo del paciente con espondiloartritis anquilosante en remisión parcial con tratamiento biológico: ¿es posible suspender el tratamiento?
• PMID: 21794755 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.