Ankylosing spondylitis-related secondary amyloidosis responded well to etanercept: a report of three patients

Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Dec;26(12):2191-2194. doi: 10.1007/s10067-007-0679-x. Epub 2007 Jul 5.

Abstract

Secondary (AA) amyloidosis is one of the most significant complications of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) that frequently leads to proteinuria and renal dysfunction. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF) agents are promising in inducing clinical remission by suppressing systemic inflammation in AA amyloidosis. We report three cases with AS-related AA amyloidosis that responded well to etanercept therapy. Despite treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, all three patients had active AS, marked proteinuria, impaired renal function, and low serum albumin level. During 1-year treatment with etanercept, all patients experienced gradual improvement in all of these parameters.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Amyloidosis / drug therapy
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Etanercept
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Sacrum*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / drug therapy
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / etiology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Etanercept