Weight Gain and Improvement of Osteoporosis with Anti-TNF Therapy / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily involving the sacroiliac joints and spine. It usually affects young people, and bone formation and resorption are implicated in the pathogenesis of AS. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first line therapy and are very effective in most of patients who have inflammatory back pain. If NSAIDs are not effective, anti-TNF-alpha agents are strongly recommended in severe inflammatory back pain. Anti-TNF-alpha is very effective in most of AS patients. A study by Lee et al. showed that AS patients who were treated with anti-TNF-alpha have weight gain and improvement of osteoporosis. In this editorial, studies on the improvement of weight and osteoporosis with anti-TNF-alpha agents are reviewed.