EFFICACY OF TARGETED CYTOKINE INHIBITION VERSUS STANDARD IMMUNOMODULATION IN EARLY AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: 48-WEEK PROSPECTIVE COMPARISON

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine, leading to persistent back pain, stiffness, progressive structural damage, and functional limitation. It encompasses both radiographic and non-radiographic forms and predominantly affects young adults during their most productive years. The disease is characterized by immune-mediated inflammation at the entheses and axial skeleton, often associated with elevated acute-phase reactants and genetic predisposition, including HLA-B27 positivity. If inadequately controlled, axial spondyloarthritis may result in ankylosis, spinal deformity, and substantial impairment in quality of life.中轴型脊柱关节炎（axial spondyloarthritis）是一类慢性炎症性风湿性疾病，主要累及骶髂关节与脊柱，可引发持续性腰背痛、僵硬感、进行性结构损伤及功能受限。该病涵盖放射学阳性与放射学阴性两种亚型，且主要高发于处于人生最具创造力阶段的青壮年群体。本病以附着点与中轴骨骼的免疫介导性炎症为特征，常伴随急性期反应物升高及遗传易感性，其中包括人类白细胞抗原B27（HLA-B27）阳性。若未得到充分控制，中轴型脊柱关节炎可引发关节强直、脊柱畸形，并严重损害患者的生活质量。