Etanercept in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effect On Some Hematological And Biochemical Parameters

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effect of etanercept on the following hematological and biochemical parameters in a sample of Iraqi patients with AS: hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea and serum creatinine.

Methods: A single-center open-labeled prospective study conducted on 43 patients with AS diagnosed according to modified New York criteria of ankylosing spondylitis. Patients received etanercept 50mg once weekly and were assessed at baseline, at weeks 4 and 12. In all the patients the following laboratory tests were done: hemoglobin (Hb), WBC count, neutrophil count, platelet count, liver function tests including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and renal function tests including blood urea and serum creatinine. 

Results: Mean age of patients was 36.55±8.47 years, males represented 90.7% of the cases, and the mean disease duration was 9.6±5.90 years. There was a significant reduction in WBC (p=0.003) and neutrophil count (0.000) after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. However, there were no significant changes in serum SGOT, SGPT, urea, and creatinine (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: Etanercept 50 mg once weekly for 12 weeks was associated with a reduction in WBC and neutrophil count after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, with no significant changes in LFT and RFT. Leukopenia, neutropenia and elevated LFT were mild and each detected in 7% of the cases; they didn’t result in discontinuation of treatment.