Thalidomide in ankylosing spondylitis
Huang, F.; Wei, J.C.C.; Breban, M.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 20(6 Suppl 28: S158-S161
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 12463469 Document Number: 549184
Despite potential side effects dominated by teratogenicity and peripheral neuropathy, thalidomide has recently been used to treat severe ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Over 50 patients have been treated across several 6-12 month open studies. Altogether 68% of the patients improved and the drop-out rate was 19%. Inhibition of NF-kappaB and/or TNFalpha is a putative mechanism for thalidomide efficacy in AS.