Biomarkers for successful tapering of a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: A pilot study

Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis who achieve successful tumor necrosis factor inhibitor tapering had lower percentages of Th1 and Th17 cells, a higher percentage of Th2 cells, and lower serum levels of IL-12, IL-17A, IL-22, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, zonulin, and soluble CD14 at the time of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor tapering. These findings may help to identify patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis for whom tumor necrosis factor inhibitor tapering is appropriate.