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Fertility and Reproduction in Male Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated with Infliximab SOPHIA PASCHOU, PARASKEVI V. VOULGARI, ILEANA G. VRABIE, IOANNA G. SAOUGOU, and ALEXANDROS A. DROSOS
ABSTRACT. Methods. We reviewed medical records of men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who were followed up at the Rheumatology Outpatients clinic and were treated with infliximab during the period 2001-2007. Results. We identified 4 patients with AS who had fathered 6 healthy children during infliximab treatment. One patient was also treated with small doses of methotrexate. Conclusion. Limited data are available concerning the effects of infliximab on semen quality. Our cases provide some evidence or reassurance for male patients treated with the anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agent. Further prospective studies are necessary, however, to guide clinicians in decision-making. (J Rheumatol First Release Dec 1 2008; doi:10.3899/jrheum.080554) Key Indexing Terms:
ANTI-TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-α AGENTS From the Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. S. Paschou, MD, Fellow in Rheumatology; P.V. Voulgari, MD, Assistant Professor of Rheumatology; I.G. Vrabie, MD, Attending Physician; I.G. Saougou, MD, Fellow in Rheumatology; A.A. Drosos, MD, FACR, Professor of Medicine/Rheumatology, Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina. Address reprint requests to Dr. A.A. Drosos, Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece. E-mail: adrosos@cc.uoi.gr; www.rheumatology.gr Accepted for publication September 4, 2008.
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