The Problem With Treating Spondylarthritis With Anti-TNF Strategies

Any form of arthritis that affects one or more vertebral joints, spondylarthritis (SpA) represents a group of closely related disorders, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Aside from chronic inflammation, these conditions are all characterized by ankylosis, stiffness and fusion of bone in the spine and peripheral joints, provoked by abnormal cartilage and bone formation. What triggers ankylosis remains unknown. Currently, inhibition of tumor necrosis factor á (TNFá) is the most effective strategy for controlling the painful symptoms of SpA and slowing vertebral joint destruction. But does anti-TNF therapy do anything to reduce the incidence or severity of ankylosis?

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