TNF-alpha blockade may improve autonomic dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis

Authors

  • Inderjeet Verma Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Drug Research, Punjabi University Patiala, India
  • Pawan Krishan Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Drug Research, Punjabi University Patiala, India
  • Ashit Syngle Director, Cardio Rheuma & Healing Touch City Clinic, Chandigarh & Senior Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist, Fortis Multi Speciality Hospital, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15305/ijrci/v2i1/95

Keywords:

infliximab, autonomic dysfunction, ankylosing spondylitis, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.

Abstract

The incidence of autonomic neuropathy in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is well recognized. However, there are no studies demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of TNF-alpha blockade in autonomic dysfunction of AS. We report here a case of a 36-year-old male of AS with high disease activity and autonomic symptoms, investigated for autonomic neuropathy. Non-invasive tests based on peripheral and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy function were used for accurate assessment of autonomic neuropathy. The patient was treated with intravenous infusion of infliximab 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6. The 6 weeks therapy improved the disease activity, biomarkers of inflammation, and autonomic function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of improvement in autonomic function associated with AS.

References

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Published

29-09-2014

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Case Studies

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