Does real life experience confirm sustained response to long-term biologics and switching in ankylosing spondylitis?
Treatment of active AS with TNF blockers according to the British Society of Rheumatology guidelines leads to a sustained response for over 2 yrs with most patients tolerating the drugs well. The rate of non-response is significantly lower than that seen in RA and nearly all of these patients respond well to a second-line agent.
The present study provides an initial glimpse in how meaning in life may be related to the well-being of chronically ill patients and the acceptance of their condition. Clinical implications are discussed.