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

Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: Infliximab can improve depression and its symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.