Adalimumab Reduces Symptoms in Patients with Total Spinal Ankylosis
Author Information
Author(s): Désirée van der Heijde, A L Pangan, M H Schiff, J Braun, M Borofsky, J Torre, J C Davis Jr, R L Wong, H Kupper, E Collantes
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center
Hypothesis
To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of adalimumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and total spinal ankylosis.
Conclusion
Adalimumab treatment resulted in rapid and clinically significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of active disease in patients with total spinal ankylosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of adalimumab-treated patients achieved an ASAS20 response at Week 12.
- After 1 year of treatment, 8 of 11 patients achieved an ASAS20 response.
- Adalimumab treatment was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called adalimumab can help people with a serious back problem feel better and move easier.
Methodology
Patients with active ankylosing spondylitis were randomized to receive adalimumab or placebo for 24 weeks, followed by open-label adalimumab for up to 5 years.
Potential Biases
Patients with total spinal ankylosis are often excluded from trials, which may affect the applicability of results.
Limitations
The small number of patients with total spinal ankylosis limits the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Of the 11 patients with TSA, 5 were male and 6 were white, with a mean age of 52.3 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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