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Biomarkers in spondyloarthritis

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Abstract

In spondyloarthritis, in particular ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a need exists for clinically meaningful biomarkers, both for diagnosis and prognosis. Earlier diagnosis has become an imperative since the advent of biologic therapy, which has proved effective in controlling axial inflammation. Presently, however, there are no biomarkers that reliably distinguish inflammatory back pain from the far more prevalent mechanical back pain. The target sites in AS—sacroiliac joints and the spine—are relatively inaccessible to the investigator and clinician, so defining markers associated with or predictive of axial inflammation remains an important goal. Cytokines, metalloproteinases, and cartilage catabolic products are all candidates for the important role of biomarker in spondyloarthritis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Arthritis Center of Excellence, Toronto Western Hospital, ECW 8-005, 399 Bathurst St., M5T 2S8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Robert D. Inman MD

Authors
  1. Kyoung-Sun Na MD, PhD
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  2. Tae-Hwan Kim MD, PhD
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  3. Robert D. Inman MD
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Correspondence to Robert D. Inman MD.

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Na, KS., Kim, TH. & Inman, R.D. Biomarkers in spondyloarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 8, 283–286 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0009-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0009-3

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