[Functional level and quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis, pilot study after 16 weeks TNF blocker treatment].

Background And Objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of infliximab and etanercept, TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha blockers) on functional disability and quality of life in thirteen patients over 65 years-old with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Patients And Methods: We consecutively included patients over 65 years-old, attending our clinic from Rheumatology Service in Hospital Clínico de Granada. These patients were all refractory to conventional therapy with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD). Disease activity was assessed using BASDAI index (bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index). Functional disability was assessed using BASFI (bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index) and ASQol index (ankylosing spondylitis quality of life index).

Results: We present a pilot study with 13 patients over 65 years-old treated with TNF blockers for 16 weeks. A significant decrease in disease activity was observed. Mean values of VAS (visual analogue scale) pain scores and disease decreases significantly after treatment (from 6.72 to 3.67 and 6.15 to 2.79 respectively), less than 4, which is considered an acceptable BASDAI response. Functional ability (BASFI) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) improved significantly from 6.15 to 2.79 and 13.85 to 4.22.

Conclusions: Our results are consistent with the data available in the literature about TNF blockers decreasing clinical signs of the disease. Disease activity had significantly decreased 16 weeks after the onset of TNF blocker therapy. Functionality and quality of life have been also improved in elderly people with AS.