Suppression of acute bone marrow edema (osteitis) in the sacroiliac joints with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Abstract

Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a concern for both doctors and patients. However, in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), NSAIDs are used not only as a symptomatic therapy, but also to prevent the progression of the disease. Therefore, in active axSpA, NSAIDs are recommended to be administered for a much longer period of time than it is indicated in the instructions for use of the drug. The article presents two clinical cases of long-term use of etoricoxib in active axSpA. In both cases, clinical efficacy and resolution of active osteitis in the sacroiliac joints, good tolerability of treatment were noted.