Fat Mass Lowers the Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Blockers in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Higher body fat content at baseline was independently associated with a worse response to treatment with TNF-α blockers, measured by ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI change, and might contribute to the lower response rates in female patients. Also, there is a trend toward muscle mass recovery in male patients after treatment.