Biologic drugs help manage axial spondyloarthritis: KGMU doctors

Lucknow: Young patients suffering from axial spondyloarthritis (AS) can now heave a sigh of relief as positive developments in the form of biologic drugs have made it possible to reverse effects of the condition to a significant extent and improve their overall quality of life. Axial spondyloarthritis is a type of arthritis that commonly affects the chest, spine and pelvis, mostly in the 16-45 age group.

Patients can now receive more effective treatment options to manage their pain, said experts at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) at an ongoing medical educational programme organised by Physician Association of India Lucknow on Sunday.

Addressing the event, Prof KK Sawlani of medicine department, KGMU, stated that the AS is the most common form of spondyloarthritis, which is characterized by spine inflammation. AS prevalence ranges from nine to 30 per 10,000 in the general population according to recent studies. “Traditionally, people believe that patients should exercise and take pain killers as they are the only options. But different biological drugs have shown improvement and reversal to great extent,” he added.

Faculty at rheumatology department, KGMU, Puneet Kumar said, “AS is a genetic disease that causes the patient’s immune system to attack joints, resulting in lower back pain and stiffness that improves with movement due to fusion of vertebrae. It can progress and negatively affect the patient’s quality of life, causing physical pain as well as mental trauma, anxiety, and depression.” Biological drugs can help control the hyperactive immune system and reverse damage, but they should be used under supervision as they can make the body more susceptible to infections, he added. Prof Puneet suggests continuing to exercise even after taking biological drugs, and recommends Surya Namaskar as the best exercise for managing AS.

Prof Anit Parihar and Dr Manoj discussed MRI brain interpretation and the use of CT chest and abdomen for bedside diagnosis, respectively at the programme.