The effects of golimumab treatment on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction appears more prevalent in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) blocking therapy, a strong and effective anti-inflammatory drug, on diastolic LV function in AS are unknown. The objective of the study was to find the effects of 1-year treatment with golimumab 50 mg subcutaneously once per month on systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction in AS patients.

METHODS:

Forty consecutive AS patients were treated with TNF-α blocking therapy for 1 year. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients at baseline and after 1 year of treatment.

RESULTS:

Diastolic LV function improved after treatment in four out of six (67%) AS patients who completed follow-up (P=0.125), and did not develop or worsen in any of the other patients. Treatment with TNF-α blocking therapy had no effect on systolic LV function.

CONCLUSION:

These findings give support to the hypothesis that diastolic LV dysfunction improves during treatment with TNF-α blocking therapy.

• Authors: S C Heslinga, T C Konings, I E van der Horst-Bruinsma, O Kamp, V P van Halm, Hacm de Bruin-Bon, M J Peters, M T Nurmohamed
• Journal: Biologics : targets & therapy (Biologics) Vol. 12 Pg. 143-149 ( 2018) ISSN: 1177-5475 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 30510398 (Publication Type: Journal Article)