生物制剂联合甲氨蝶呤和柳氮磺胺吡啶治疗强直性脊柱炎伴髋关节炎的临床疗效

目的观察生物制剂联合甲氨蝶呤(methotrexate,MTX)和柳氮磺胺吡啶(sulfasalazine,SSZ)治疗强直性脊柱炎(ankylosing spondylitis,AS)伴髋关节炎患者的临床效果。方法将178例确诊为AS伴髋关节炎的患者分为对照组(n=52)和观察组(n=126),观察组患者在口服MTX和SSZ的基础上联合应用生物制剂;对照组患者口服MTX和SSZ。观察两组患者治疗24周后的临床效果及治疗12、24周时的临床和实验室指标及不良反应。结果治疗24周后,观察组患者的AS疾病活动评分(ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score,ASDAS)、Bath强直性脊柱炎功能指数(bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index,BASFI)、Harris评分、C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、红细胞沉降率(erythrocyte sedimentation rate,ESR)等指标均明显优于治疗前(P0.01),与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.01);治疗24周后,对照组患者BASDAI、BASFI、CRP和ESR较治疗前有改善(P0.05)。治疗24周观察组与对照组临床缓解率分别为:ASAS20缓解标准51.7%vs.38.6%(P=0.135),ASAS40缓解标准40.0%vs.22.9%(P=0.035),ASAS部分缓解标准33.3%vs.12.8%(P=0.005)。两组均未见明显不良反应。结论生物制剂治疗AS伴髋关节炎,可以更早期地达到诱导、缓解病情的目的,较为安全、有效。     

依那西普联合甲氨蝶呤对强直性脊柱炎髋关节病变的诱导与维持治疗初步探讨

目的 初步探讨肿瘤坏死因子(TSF)-a拮抗剂对强直性脊柱炎(AS)髋关节损害的疗效,以及探讨其疗程和维持治疗的方法.方法 研究对象为AS合并髋关节损害的患者86例.治疗方案:①依那西普在开始6个月的用法为:25mg皮下注射,每周2次,持续2个月;以后每周1次再持续2个月;然后每2周1次再持续2个月.②甲氨蝶呤(MTX)15mg,口服或静脉注射,每周1次.③非甾体抗炎药(NSAIDs)和小剂量激素在控制症状后停用.结果 28例(33%)在2周内症状控制良好而停用NSAIDs;在8周内,有43例(50%)停用NSAIDs,其中36例(42%)NSAIDs和小剂量激素均已停用;在第9-16周,每周1次使用依那西普,在第16周的评价中,49例(60%)已经完全停用激素和NSAIDs;在第17-24周,每2周1次使用依那西普,有38例(44%)完全停用激素和NSAIDs,病情保持稳定.治疗后2、4、6个月髋关节功能评分均比治疗前明显提高(P<0.05);BASDAI、BASFI均下降,与治疗前对比差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).治疗前后髋关节病变的放射学变化:治疗3个月后,19例磁共振成像(MRI)显示髋关节滑膜炎伴积液,而骨盆平片未见髋关节明显损害者中,11例滑膜炎消失,4例显著好转;骨盆平片显示有Ⅱ级或Ⅲ级损害的84个髋关节中,有13个髋关节出现放射学一个级别的改善,16个关节有改善,但未达到一个级别,49个关节没有放射学的改变.结论 依那西普与MTX联合治疗AS的髋关节损害有效,并且病情控制后,可以逐渐减低依那西普的剂量密度.     

依那西普治疗活动性强直性脊柱炎多中心、双盲、随机对照临床研究

目的 评价依那西普50 mg每周1次治疗活动性强直性脊柱炎(AS)的疗效与安全性.方法 为期12周(双盲期和开放期各6周)的随机、双盲、安慰剂对照的多中心临床研究.双盲治疗期治疗组和对照组受试者分别接受依那西普或安慰剂50 mg,1次/周,皮下注射;开放期均接受依那西普50 mg,1次/周,皮下注射.分别于第0、2、4、6、8、10、12周按规定完成临床评估.主要疗效指标为达到AS疗效评价(ASAS) 20％改善程度(ASAS 20)的受试者比例,次要疗效指标为达到ASAS标准中6项改善5项( ASAS5/6)的受试者比例、达到ASAS部分缓解的受试者比例、Bath强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数(BASDAI)改善达到50％以上(BASDAI 50)的受试者比例、受试者总体评价、背痛、Bath 强直性脊柱炎功能指数(BASFI).所有受试者均进行安全性评价.结果 来自6个医院的400例受试者入选本研究,其中治疗组300例,对照组100例.381例受试者完成全部治疗,其中治疗组285例,对照组96例.双盲治疗期第2周时治疗组有55.7％的受试者达到ASAS20,对照组为17.0％,差异有统计学意义(P ＜0.001);至第6周时治疗组有77.5％的受试者达到ASAS 20,对照组为32.3％ (P＜0.001).经12周治疗,治疗组89.5％的受试者达到ASAS20.治疗组各次要疗效指标(ASAS5/6、ASAS部分缓解、BASDAI 50等)也有显著改善.最常见的不良反应为注射部位反应、肝酶水平升高,无恶性肿瘤发生,未见死亡.结论 依那西普50 mg每周1次治疗活动性AS,具有使用方便、起效迅速、疗效显著、耐受性良好的特点.     

艾瑞昔布和塞来昔布治疗中轴型脊柱关节炎的随机平行对照研究

目的评价选择性环氧化酶2(cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2)抑制剂对中轴脊柱关节炎(axial spondyloarthritis,ax-Sp A)的疼痛、功能和骶髂关节磁共振影像学的影响。方法选取2014年10月至2015年9月本院就诊的ax-Sp A患者120例,采用单纯随机分组,分别服用塞来昔布或者艾瑞昔布0.2 g,每日2次,记录治疗前、治疗12周后的红细胞沉降率(erythrocyte sedimentation rate,ESR)、C反应蛋白(C-reaction protein,CRP)、Bath强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数(Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index,BASDAI)、Bath强直性脊柱炎功能指数(Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index,BASFI)、加拿大脊柱关节炎研究协会评分系统(Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada,SPARCC)评分的变化。结果治疗12周后,完成随访的患者共116例,其中艾瑞昔布组57例,塞来昔布组59例,艾瑞昔布组与塞来昔布组治疗后ESR[(14.85±14.67)mmol/1 h vs.(20.58±18.90))mmol/1 h,P=0.027;(9.5±8.44))mmol/1h vs.(16.81±15.04))mmol/1 h,P=0.000]、BASDAI(3.22±1.80 vs.4.01±1.77,P=0.006;2.98±1.49 vs.4.19±1.66,P=0.000)和患者总体评估(3.67±2.07 vs.5.28±2.30,P=0.000;3.76±2.08 vs.5.55±2.00,P=0.000)均较治疗前降低,治疗前后比较差异具有统计学意义;Schober试验较治疗前升高,差异具有统计学意义(4.11±2.26 vs.3.75±2.05,P=0.034;4.59±2.78 vs.3.90±2.08,P=0.016);两组BASFI、耳壁距和腰椎侧弯度治疗前后的变化均无统计学意义(P0.05),两组间相比各项指标治疗前后的变化差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗前骶髂关节SPARCC评分11.40±12.85,治疗后SPARCC评分6.60±9.01,两者比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),两组间SPARCC评分变化比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。骶髂关节影像学的改变与ESR、BASFI和腰椎侧弯度的变化情况具有相关性,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论艾瑞昔布和塞来昔布可以改善ax-Sp A的症状和功能、减轻骶髂关节炎症,两种药物疗效和不良反应相当。影像学改变和ESR的高低具有相关性。     

停用依那西普后沙利度胺对维持强直性脊柱炎患者病情缓解的影响

目的 评价停用依那西普后沙利度胺可否维持强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者病情的缓解.方法 105例经过为期12周的依那西普治疗后达到了AS疗效评价标准(ASAS)20改善标准并能定期接受随访的患者随机分为3组,第1组给予沙利度胺150 mg.每日1次,晚上口服;第2组给予柳氮磺吡啶(SASP)1.0 g,每日2次口服;第3组仅给予原先使用的非甾体抗炎药(NSAIDs)维持治疗.每个月定期随访1次,随访内容包括:Bath AS疾病活动性指数(BASDAI)、Bath AS功能指数(BASFI)、患者对病情的总体评价(PGA)、脊柱痛等的变化.以病情复发作为随访终点.结果 有100例患者最终完成了随访,其中沙利度胺组30例.SASP组33例,NSAIDs组37例,平均随访时间(5±4)个月,最长的患者随访了12个月.随访结束时沙利度胺组维持病情缓解率为40%(12例),SASP组为15%(5例),NSAIDs组为11%(4例),沙利度胺组的维持缓解率要显著高于SASP组(P=0.0265)和NSAIDs组(P=0.0053),而SASP组和NSAIDs组维持缓解率的差异无统计学意义(P=0.5881).结论 沙利度胺有助于停用依那西普后维持AS患者病情的缓解.     

甲氨蝶呤治疗强直性脊柱炎髋关节病变的临床研究

目的观察甲氨蝶呤（MTX）对强直性脊柱炎（AS）髋关节病变的临床疗效，并以柳氮磺吡啶（SSZ）作为对照，以评价MTX对AS髋关节病变的有效性及安全性。方法从住院的AS髋关节病变患者中随机选择MTX治疗的48例为观察组，并以年龄、性别、病程及病情相匹配，采用SSZ治疗的50例作为对照组，两组患者均选择一种非甾体抗炎药作为基础疗法。出院后继续原药物治疗，并随访3年的临床资料，包括临床症状、Bath AS活动指数（BASDAI）、Bath AS功能指数（BASFI）、髋关节功能评分、髋关节病变CT分期、炎性指标等实验室检查及不良反应。结果观察组第1、2、3年随访44、38、32例。对照组分别为45、38、31例。随访3年内，髋关节功能评分观察组显著高于对照组（P〈0．05）。髋关节CTI期病变，两组患者随访第2、3年与入院时比较明显减少（P〈0．05）；随访第2、3年，观察组比对照组显著下降（P〈0．05）。髋关节CTⅡ期病变，两组间各时段比较差异均无统计学意义。腰痛、腰背晨僵、BASDAI和BASFI、红细胞沉降率（ESR）、C反应蛋白（CRP），两组间对比差异均无统计学意义。不良反应以胃肠道反应为主．两组比较差异无统计学意义；随访所有病例无造血系统障碍发生。结论MTX对AS髋关节病变的疗效优于SSZ，在治疗3年内髋关节功能明显改善；MTX不良反应较轻，可作为治疗AS髋关节病变的首选药物，其更长期的疗效及安全性有待进一步观察。     

强直性脊柱炎胸腰椎后凸畸形与髋关节病变的相关性分析

目的 探讨强直性脊柱炎(AS)胸腰椎后凸畸形患者髋关节病变的危险因素.方法 本组66例AS患者,男性57例,女性9例,年龄17～53岁,平均(33±10)岁,其中50例为AS伴胸腰椎后凸畸形患者(A组),16例为无胸腰椎后凸畸形AS患者(B组).收集患者的临床资料、实验室检查、影像学资料及生活质量评估量表.临床资料包括年龄和病程;实验室检查包括:红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)和人类白细胞抗原(HLA)-B27;影像学资料包括:胸腰椎后凸Cobb角(GK)、髋关节病变评分(BASRI-hip);生活质量评估量表包括:AS疾病活动性量表(BASDAI)、AS功能量表(BASFI)和Oswestry功能障碍量表(ODI).运用BASRI-hip对髋关节病变进行评分,并定义评分大于2分为有髋关节病变,定义有髋关节病变组为C组,无髋关节病变组为D组.统计学处理采用独立样本t检验和Spearman相关性分析以及多元回归分析.结果 A组50例胸腰椎后凸畸形AS患者中,27例(54％)发生髋关节影像学病变,B组16例无胸腰椎后凸畸形AS患者,3例(19％)发生髋关节影像学病变(OR=5.08).多元回归分析显示GK和病程是AS胸腰椎后凸畸形患者的髋关节病变的高危因素.相关性分析显示BASFI评分与AS患者的髋关节病变显著相关(r=0.345,P=0.014).结论 较大GK和较长病程是AS胸腰椎后凸畸形患者髓关节病变的高危因素,AS患者的髋关节病变显著降低其生活质量.     

强直性脊柱炎患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群和T淋巴细胞上CD154表达的变化和意义

目的 探讨强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群分布和T淋巴细胞上共刺激分子CD154的表达及依那西普治疗对其的影响.方法 用流式细胞仪检测66例AS患者(其中活动期39例,非活动期27例;按临床特征分为外周关节和中轴均受累者35例和单独中轴受累31例)、30例类风湿关节炎(RA)患者及30名健康志愿者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群分布和CD154在CD3+T淋巴细胞上的表达.此外,观察39例AS活动期患者在随机双盲依那西普和安慰剂对照试验中,用药前后CD154的变化.结果 ①AS和RA患者CD4+T淋巴细胞均较健康志愿者高(P＜0.05),而CD8+T淋巴细胞较健康志愿者低(P＜0.05);AS患者外周血T细胞上CD154的表达较健康志愿者和RA患者都明显升高(P＜0.05);②活动期或外周关节受累AS患者T细胞CD154的表达分别较稳定期或单独中轴受累AS患者明显升高(P＜0.05);且CD154的表达与关节压痛数、关节肿胀数呈正相关(P＜0.05);③在依那西普试验的第6周,依那西普组AS患者(19例)T淋巴细胞CD154表达较安慰剂组(20例)明显下降(P＜0.05),与健康志愿者差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 AS患者外周血存在T淋巴细胞亚群紊乱和T淋巴细胞上共刺激分子CD154异常表达,可作为临床评价AS病情活动性和依那西普疗效的生物指标之一.     

强直性脊柱炎患者抗肿瘤坏死因子-α治疗前后外周血髓系树突状细胞变化的初步研究

目的 探讨髓系树突状细胞(mDC)在强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者发病机制中的作用,并通过其在抗肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α治疗前后的变化,了解抗TNF-α制剂重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体-抗体融合蛋白(rhTNFR-Fc)治疗AS的免疫学机制.方法 于第0、2、6周收集rhTNFR-Fc随机双盲、安慰剂平行对照临床试验的36例rhTNFR-Fc组和安慰剂组的AS患者的外周血,使用流式细胞术检测rhTNFR-Fc治疗前后其外周血mDC的变化情况.并与Bath强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数(BASDAI)、Bath强直性脊柱炎功能指数(BASFI)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、血小板计数进行相关性分析.结果试验组及安慰剂组主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)-Ⅰ mDC水平在治疗前后差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);安慰剂组MHC-ⅡmDC细胞水平在治疗前后差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);试验组MHC-Ⅱ mDC细胞水平在治疗后2、6周分别与0周相比,均有显著升高(P均<0.05).试验组AS患者MHC-Ⅱ mDC水平与BASFI、BASDAI、CRP、ESR、血小板计数进行相关性分析,在0、2、6周时都未显示出明显的相关性.基线时MHC-Ⅱ mDC水平不能作为ASAS20疗效影响因素.结论 MHC-Ⅱ mDC随着rhTNFR-Fc治疗有显著升高.     

短期抗肿瘤坏死因子-α治疗不影响强直性脊柱炎患者血清Dickkopf-1水平

目的 检测应用TNF-α拮抗剂治疗AS前后患者血清DKK-1和骨保护素、NF-κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)和TNF-α水平,探讨抗TNF-α治疗对AS患者骨形成信号通路的影响.方法 自身前后对照,留取43例病历资料完整的AS患者接受TNF-α受体-抗体融合蛋白治疗12周前后血清样本.采用ELISA方法检测血清中DKK-1、骨保护素、RANKL和TNF-α水平.采用配对t检验及Person相关分析.结果 抗TNF-α治疗后患者VAS评分、晨僵时间、BASDAI、BASFI、ESR和CRP等疾病活动指标分别为[(2.7±2.0)cm,(7±4) min,1.1±1.1、0.8±1.2、(10±9) mm/1 h和(16±26)mg/L]较治疗前[(7.6±2.0)cm,(46±33) min,6.0±1.3、4.4±2.0、(39±29) mm/1 h和(76±43) mg/L]显著改善,差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为14.043、8.031、20.166、13.521、7.679、9.563、P＞0.05);治疗前后血清DKK-1[(3.3±1.5)μg/L与(3.2±1.3)μg/L]、骨保护素[(144±71) pg/ml与(136±62 pg/ml]及RANKL [(71±37) pg/ml与(68±30) pg/ml]没有变化(P＞0.05);治疗后TNF-α水平(55.0±50.6) pg/ml较治疗前(1.9±1.3) pg/ml明显升高(t=6.951,P＜0.05).DKK-1与TNF-α、RANKL、骨保护素、患者VAS、晨僵时间、BASDAI、BASFI、ESR和CRP均不相关,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 抗TNF-α治疗AS临床指标改善明显,但不宜骤然停药;血清DKK-1水平与AS患者炎症水平不相关,不受短期抗TNF-α治疗影响.     

Treatment efficacy of etanercept and MTX combination therapy for ankylosing spondylitis hip joint lesion in Chinese population

To investigate the efficacy of etanercept and MTX (methotrexate) combination therapy in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis hip joint lesion, the possible courses and maintenance protocol, altogether 97 ankylosing spondylitis patients fulfilling the modified New York criteria with hip joint lesion were enrolled in a 12-month trial treated with combined etanercept and MTX. All these patients were required to be poor responders to SSZ (Sulfasalazine) or MTX therapy for 6 consecutive months or the longer. Etanercept was administered subcutaneously twice a week at a fixed dosage of 25?mg for the first six months, followed by 25?mg once a week in patients with good control of both symptoms and radiological progression, or twice a week for another six months in patients with BASDAI> or =?4. Combined MTX was administered intravenously once a week at the dosage of 15?mg. Demographics, clinical and laboratory features, physical function and quality of life using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Harris hip score, and radiological assessment using the BASRI-hip index were recorded. Most patients achieved pain release at the end point of assessment. Significant improvement in Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) (P?<?0.05), Bath AS Functional Activity Index (BASFI) (P?<?0.05), and Harris hip score (P?<?0.05) was demonstrated. Radiographic progression was recorded as no exacerbation or alleviated. Larger interval between two etanercept administrations would provide similar advantages to standard method and possibly less adverse events if MTX was combined. Etanercept and MTX combination therapy was beneficial to ankylosing spondylitis patients with hip joint lesion, and staged dosage deduction in the long term proved to be effective as well as adverse event preventing.     

A longitudinal study of disease activity and functional status in a hospital cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in functional status and disease activity and their determinants in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) attending hospital, using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). METHODS: Patients completed BASDAI and BASFI questionnaires annually from 1996 to 2001. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The mean first and last recorded scores were compared. The change per year and area under the curve per year for the BASDAI and BASFI were calculated. Relationships between demographic, clinical and longitudinal BASDAI/BASFI data were examined. Subgroup analyses were performed using the cross-sectional and longitudinal data. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-nine BASDAI and 322 BASFI questionnaires were analysed. The BASFI increased [mean change 6.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9, 10.3, P = 0.005] but the BASDAI did not (mean change 0.87, 95% CI -3.96, 5.7, P = 0.71). First recorded scores were the best predictors of the cumulative scores per year. Patients with peripheral joint (P = 0.01) and hip (P<0.001) disease had higher mean BASFI scores. Males (P<0.001) and patients with spinal disease alone (P = 0.0014), iritis (P = 0.005) and late-onset AS (P = 0.002) became more functionally impaired over time. CONCLUSIONS: Disease activity in this AS cohort remained relatively constant but there was functional decline. Initial BASDAI/FI can predict a severe disease course. PJD patients with peripheral joint disease were more functionally impaired, but deteriorated less than spinal disease alone patients. Iritis and late onset disease may be severity markers for functional impairment.     

Multicenter validation of the value of BASFI and BASDAI in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy patients

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (USpA) patients. 664 AS patients by the revised New York criteria for AS and 252 USpA patients by the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria were enrolled. BASDAI and BASFI questionnaires were translated into Chinese. Participants were required to fill in BASFI and BASDAI questionnaires again after 24?h. Moreover, BASDAI and BASFI were compared in AS patients receiving Enbrel or infliximab before and after treatment. For AS group, BASDAI ICC: 0.9502 (95% CI: 0.9330?C0.9502, ???=?0.9702), BASFI ICC: 0.9587 (95% CI: 0.9521?C0.9645, ???=?0.9789). For USpA group, BASDAI ICC: 0.9530 (95% CI: 0.9402?C0.9632, ???=?0.9760), BASFI ICC: 0.9900 (95% CI: 0.9871?C0.9922, ???=?0.9950). In the AS group, disease duration, occipital wall distance, modified Schober test, chest expansion, ESR, and CRP showed significant correlation with BASDAI and BASFI (all P?<?0.01). In the USpA group, onset age, ESR, and CRP were significantly correlated with BASDAI (all P?<?0.05), while modified Schober test, ESR, and CRP were significantly associated with BASFI (all P?<?0.05). The change in BASDAI and BASFI via Enbrel or infliximab treatment showed a significant positive correlation (P?<?0.01). The two instruments have good reliability and reference value regarding the evaluation of patient??s condition and anti-TNF-?? treatment response.     

Is disease severity in ankylosing spondylitis genetically determined?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of genes and the environment in determining the severity of ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: One hundred seventy-three families with >1 case of ankylosing spondylitis were recruited (120 affected sibling pairs, 26 affected parent-child pairs, 20 families with both first- and second-degree relatives affected, and 7 families with only second-degree relatives affected), comprising a total of 384 affected individuals. Disease severity was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and functional impairment was determined using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Disease duration and age at onset were also studied. Variance-components modeling was used to determine the genetic and environmental components contributing to familiality of the traits examined, and complex segregation analysis was performed to assess different disease models. RESULTS: Both the disease activity and functional capacity as assessed by the BASDAI and the BASFI, respectively, were found to be highly familial (BASDAI familiality 0.51 [P = 10(-4)], BASFI familiality 0.68 [P = 3 x 10(-7)]). No significant shared environmental component was demonstrated to be associated with either the BASDAI or the BASFI. Including age at disease onset and duration of disease as covariates made no difference in the heritability assessments. A strong correlation was noted between the BASDAI and the BASFI (genetic correlation 0.9), suggesting the presence of shared determinants of these 2 measures. However, there was significant residual heritability for each measure independent of the other (BASFI residual heritability 0.48, BASDAI 0.36), perhaps indicating that not all genes influencing disease activity influence chronicity. No significant heritability of age at disease onset was found (heritability 0.18; P = 0.2). Segregation studies suggested the presence of a single major gene influencing the BASDAI and the BASFI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a major genetic contribution to disease severity in ankylosing spondylitis. As with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis, shared environmental factors play little role in determining the disease severity.     

Expression of IL-2 and IL-11 and its significance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ObjectiveTo explore the expression of IL-2 and IL-11 and its significance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsA total of 48 active AS patients in our hospital and 40 normal control subjects were selected in our study. Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI), ESR and CRP expression levels were compared before treatment, 12 h after treatment and 24 h after treatment. IL-2 and IL-11 expression were also compared between these two groups.ResultsThe BASDAI score, BASFI score and BASMI score of the AS patients before treatment significantly decreased compared with those 12 weeks and 24 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). ESR and CRP levels of the AS patients 12 weeks and 24 weeks after treatment significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Difference was significant in serum IL-2 and IL-11 levels between 12 weeks and 24 weeks after treatment and before treatment (P<0.05). And no statistically significance was observed for serum IL-2 and IL-11 levels between normal control group and those of patients in AS group 24 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). Pearson's linear-correlation analysis showed that serum IL-2 level had a positive correlation with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ESR and CRP (r=0.661,0.547,0.474,0.362,0.416, P<0.05) and serum IL-11 level had a negative correlation with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ESR and CRP (r=-0.629, ?0.412, ?0.422, ?0.387, ?0.408, ?0.315, P<0.05).ConclusionsSerum levels of IL-2 in active AS patients significantly increase and will decrease after treatment. However, serum levels of IL-11 significantly decrease and will increase after treatment, which indicates that serum IL-2 has a positive correlation with the degree of AS and serum IL-11 has a negative correlation with the degree of AS, both of which are correlated closely with the onset of AS.     

Functional changes in patients with spondylarthropathy. A controlled trial of the effects of short-term rehabilitation and 3-year follow-up

A cohort of 25 patients with spondylarthropathy (SpA) participated in a 3-year follow-up study of functional changes before and after an intensive 3-week inpatient course. They answered questions in the following functional status/disability indices: Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), Dougados functional index (DFI), health assessment questionnaire for spondylarthropathy (HAQ-S), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis patient global assessment (BAS-G), and horizontal visual analogue scale for stiffness (stiffness VAS) before and after the course and 3 years later by mail. A control group of 18 consecutive SpA patients from the waiting list for an inpatient course filled in the same questionnaires as study patients 3 months before entry and again 3 weeks later at home without rehabilitation. During the waiting time for the inpatient course, control group global assessments (BASDAI, BAS-G, and stiffness-VAS) worsened slightly, and BASFI but not HAQ-S and DFI scores remained unchanged in the 3 weeks without treatment. The results of the 25 study patients showed small and not significant improvements in all functional index scores (BASFI -0.5 points, DFI -1.1, and HAQ-S 0.17), whereas improvements were significant in BAS-DAI, BAS-G, and stiffness-VAS (-13 mm, 13 mm, and -11 mm, respectively) after the 3-week inpatient course. At 3-year follow-up, these small changes had disappeared and the changes were not significant. The global indices and BASFI worsened slightly (0.4) from baseline results, while DFI was slightly better (-0.4) and HAQ-S remained at the post-treatment level after 3 years. Thus, BASFI was the most sensitive to changes, whereas DFI and HAQ-S were relatively insensitive. All six indices correlated highly significantly with each other (ICC 0.53-0.94). The natural course of spondylarthropathy leads to progression of functional impairments, which seems to be preventable with intensive rehabilitation, at least in the short term. Among the three functional indices, BASFI seems to be the most sensitive tool.     

Relationship of bone mineral density with disease activity and functional ability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study

In ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory activity probably plays a key role in the pathophysiology of bone loss. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip region with some measures of disease activity and functional ability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. In 80 patients with established ankylosing spondylitis, disease activity and functional ability were determined by C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Spinal pain and patient global health were assessed using horizontal visual analog scale. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. There was a significant negative correlation of bone density T scores with acute-phase reactants (i.e., patients with lower T scores had higher level of CRP and ESR). That relationship was reflected more reliably at proximal femur sites than at the lumbar spine. There were also significant differences in ESR, BASDAI, BASFI, spinal pain and global health between three groups of patients according to WHO classification of osteoporosis (normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic). Significantly, more patients with osteopenia at the lumbar spine had lower BASDAI index than those with normal BMD (P?=?0.030). Our results indicate an association of low BMD with high disease activity in patients with AS. Femoral BMD seems to be more associated with disease activity and functional ability than lumbar spine BMD.     

Assessment of the efficacy of pulse Ibandronate therapy in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug refractory ankylosing spondylitis: An open prospective study

Background

Amino-bisphosphonates like Pamidronate, having weak anti-Tumour Necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha property is effective in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Objective

To assess the efficacy of intravenous pulse Ibandronate, another bisphosphonate, in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) refractory/intolerant AS, as it is cheaper, requires less frequent dosing and is easily available.

Methods

Thirty-four patients, diagnosed as AS by Modified New York Criteria, having Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4 (i.e. active disease) and NSAID refractory/intolerant, received six doses of injection Ibandronate (3 mg) intravenously, three monthly, for 15 months. Patients with peripheral arthritis were given sulfasalazine along with Ibandronate. Outcome assessed comparing baseline and final BASDAI, Bath AS metrology index (BASMI), Bath AS functional index (BASFI), Bath AS global score (BAS-G), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Response defined according to assessments in ankylosing spondylitis (ASAS)-20 and BASDAI-50, and, reduction in tender and swollen joint counts in patients with peripheral arthritis.

Results

Twenty-eight patients received all six doses. Twenty-one (75%) and 23 (82%) patients achieved BASDAI-50 and ASAS-20 responses, respectively. Significant reductions in mean BASDAI (48.36%), BASMI (55.08%), BASFI (47.03%), BASG (47.47%), ESR (49.24%) and CRP (66.38%) were noted after 15 months. Ten patients having peripheral joint involvement had significant decrement in swollen (67.74%) and tender (57.14%) joint counts.

Conclusion

Intravenous Ibandronate has reasonable efficacy in the treatment of AS.