Abstract
Spondyloarthritis or spondyloarthropathy (SpA) is a group of related rheumatic disorders, which presents with axial and nonaxial features, affecting structures within the musculoskeletal system, as well as other bodily systems. Both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic options are available for SpA. For decades, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used as the first-line drugs to treat the disease. Research has shown that other than pain relief, NSAIDs have disease-modifying effects in SpA. However, to achieve these effects, continuous and/or long-term NSAID use is usually required. This review will give an overview of SpA, discuss NSAIDs and their disease-modifying effects in SpA, and highlight some of the important adverse effects of long-term and continuous NSAID use, particularly those related to the gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular systems.
Highlights
Spondyloarthritis or spondyloarthropathy (SpA) includes a family of inflammatory diseases commonly affecting the joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. ese diseases are related in many ways as they have several similarities in their genetic and clinical features
As for pharmacologic treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are to be used as the first-line drugs to treat the disease for patients with axial SpA, according to the recommendations set by the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), with important consideration given to the potential side effects of the drugs
Findings on the disease-modifying effects of NSAIDs are contradictory with some showing no significant effects while others showing a retardation or delay in radiographic progression of disease or reduction in bone marrow oedema
Summary
Spondyloarthritis or spondyloarthropathy (SpA) includes a family of inflammatory diseases commonly affecting the joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. ese diseases are related in many ways as they have several similarities in their genetic and clinical features. Many drugs have been used to treat SpA such as NSAIDs, disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and biologic drugs [2,3,4,5]. NSAIDs are generally the first-line drugs used in the treatment of SpA [2]. Other than their analgesic effects, research has shown that NSAIDs exhibit disease-modifying effects in SpA [6]. For these changes to take place, the patients are usually required to take NSAIDs on a continuous and/or long-term basis. Is article gives an overview of spondyloarthritis, NSAIDs, and their disease-modifying effects in SpA, as well as the accompanying adverse effects of these drugs Continuous long-term use of NSAIDs is not without disadvantages. is article gives an overview of spondyloarthritis, NSAIDs, and their disease-modifying effects in SpA, as well as the accompanying adverse effects of these drugs
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