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New Developments in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ongoing studies are investigating the use of ultrasonography for detecting early inflammation in certain joints affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS), such as the knees.
Recent research as indicated that there may be an increased incidence of kidney stones in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Researchers are investigating the relationship between AS and osteoporosis since diffuse osteoporosis adds to the fragility of the progressive bone formation (ossification) in ankylosing spondylitis.
Ongoing studies are investigating the molecular mechanisms of the inflammatory process and the effects of anti-TNF-alpha agents on the inflammatory mechanism involved in ankylosing spondylitis.
Researchers have established a link between the HLA-B27 genetic marker and AS. Currently, 11 different subtypes of HLA-B27 have been identified. Studies are ongoing to determine whether some of these HLA-B27 subtypes may be associated with a higher risk of developing AS than other subtypes. This ongoing research may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis than is currently possible.
Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco recently reported the results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial which found that etanercept was highly effective for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe AS. The study was published in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Volume 48; Issue 11, pp. 3230-3236, Nov. 2003.
Researchers from Istanbul University in Turkey recently reported the results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial which suggested that intensive, supervised group exercise in a hospital setting may be more effective than home-based exercise for reducing pain and functional impairment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The study was published in Clinical Rehabilitation, Volume 15; Issue 6, pp631-636, Sept. 2003.
Researchers from the Free University in Germany recently reported the results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial which found long-term (one-year) efficacy and safety of infliximab (an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody) for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. The study was published in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Volume 48; Issue 8, pp. 2224-2233, Aug. 2003.
Researchers from the University Hospital Maastricht in the Netherlands reported the results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial which found that a 3-week course of combined spa-exercise therapy in addition to standard therapy (antiinflammatory drugs combined with weekly group exercise therapy) was more effective than standard therapy alone for the treatment of AS. The study was published in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Volume 47; Issue 5, pp. 459-467, Oct. 2002.
Researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada reported the results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial which found that intravenous pamidronate was both safe and effective for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in a group of patients who had not responded to standard drug therapy with NSAIDs. The study was published in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Volume 46; Issue 3, pp. 766-773, March 2002.
