The effect of infliximab on depressive symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which physically, psychologically, and socially affects the patient's life. Previous studies have reported a correlation between ankylosing spondylitis and depression. In this study we investigated the effect of infliximab on depression in ankylosing spondylitis patients.A total of 29 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were enrolled in this prospective study. Infliximab was administered intravenously at a dose of 5 mg/kg at baseline, weeks 2 and 6. The measurements of morning stiffness, modified Schober's test, chest expansion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index and Beck depression inventory scores were compared with baseline and 12th week.The modified Schober's test and chest expansion increased, the morning stiffness duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels decreased after infliximab treatment (p < 0.001, respectively). There was statistically significant decrease in Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index and Beck depression invantory scores of patients after 12 weeks (p < 0.001, respectively).Infliximab can improve depression and its symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. .