SERUM BONE SPECIFIC ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE INIRAQI PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS AND THE EFFECT OF INFLIXIMAB THERAPY AND THE EFFECT OF INFLIXIMAB THERAPY

الملخص

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis is a member of the group of the spondyloarthropathies with a strong genetic predisposition. Complete fusion results in a complete rigidity of the spine, a condition known as "bamboo spine". There is no cure for AS, although treatments and medications can reduce symptoms and pain. Objective: To evaluate bone specific alkaline phosphatase in Iraqi patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of long term infliximab therapy. Material and methods: Eighty five AS patients are enrolled in this study with a mean age of 36 ± 41 years & age range from 16-56 years, mean duration equal to 12.08. Results: a significant decrease of mean serum level of ALP in group 3 patients who treated with infliximab ( 142.14 ± 4.68 ng/ml , p < 0.05 level ) compared with mean serum level of ALP in G1(167.10 ± 10.37 ng/ml ) , and a non significant decrease of mean serum level of ALP in G2 (154.08 ± 6.40 ng/ml , p = 0.205 ) compared with mean serum level of ALP in G1 (167.10 ± 10.37 ng/ml). Conclusion: An elevate serum level of bone specific alkaline phosphatase in Iraqi patients with ankylosing spondylitis , the attribution of this elevation is increasing bone production due to increase the activity of the disease lead to increase the ability of osteoblast to produce BALP . This cross - sectional study reveals the efficacy of infliximab and the good safety treatment in patients with activeankylosing spondylitis.