[The role of biological agents in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, literature review].

Introduction: The recognition of the key pathogenetic role of TNF-alpha in psoriatic arthritis has made it possible to introduce new drugs in the treatment. TNF-alpha inhibitors available in Hungary (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) are potential therapies for patients who have not adequately responded to traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Objective: The aim of the study was to present the epidemiology and progression of psoriatic arthritis in Hungary based on national and international data, to assess the target population for biological therapy and to analyze their effectiveness, reviewing the available literature of randomized controlled trials.

[The role of biologic agents in the therapy of ankylosing spondylitis].

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease which etiology and pathogenesis are not yet fully understood. The inflammation involves the spine and also the peripheral joints might be affected in some cases resulting in a progressive ankylosis, restricted mobility, significant disability, loss of productivity and decreased quality of life. Gene technology based new drugs of the past decade, the biologic agents, offer an alternative opportunity for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in comparison with the previous drugs with doubtful efficiency.