The efficacy and safety of long-term thalidomide in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

VernacularTitle:沙利度胺治疗强直性脊柱炎的长期疗效与安全性
Author: Jian ZHU ; Feng HUANG ; Jianglin ZHANG
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Spondylitis,ankylosing; Thaiidomide; Treatment outcome; Safety
From: Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2010;49(8):667-670
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To investigate the long term efficacy and safety of thalidomide in the treatment of refractory ankylosing spondylitis.Methods A total of 232 patients with refractory ankylosing spondylitis were recruited into open study using thaiidomide at a dose of 150 mg/d, bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index ( BASDAI) , spinal pain score and thaiidomide related side effects were observed regularly.Results From the third month, BASDAI and spine pain score decreased significantly when compared with those of the base line ( P < 0.05).Such improvement became more obvious as time went on.A total of 148 patients (63.8% ) got >50% improvement in BASDAI and spine pain score, and 76 cases (32.8% ) reported absence of spine pain.The major side effects were drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness and dandruff.Thirty two patients (13.8% ) withdrew from the study because of adverse events.Most of the adverse effects disappeared as thaiidomide was stopped.Conclusion Long term thaiidomide is effective and safe for treating resistant ankylosing spondylitis and it has cumulative effect as duration prolongs.