Study of Gut Microbiome Changes in Adults with Spondyloarthropathies Starting TNF-Inhibitor Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how changes in the intestinal microbiome relate to disease activity in people with spondyloarthropathies who are receiving immunosuppressive treatment. The study aims to understand whether successful treatment with tumor necrosis factor TNF inhibitors is linked to specific changes in gut bacteria. This observational study is integrated into routine clinical care and focuses on patients starting TNF-inhibitor therapy, who may respond differently to treatment. Participants will provide blood and fecal samples at two time points, along with clinical assessments of their disease activity. The study expects to include about 50 patients, divided into groups based on whether they respond to TNF-inhibitor treatment. Researchers will analyze changes in the gut flora and compare these with therapy response to explore associations. During the study, participants will be followed for six months with evaluations including the Dysbiosis Index Score to measure gut bacteria changes and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index BASDAI to assess disease activity. Secondary analyses will look at gut inflammation, microbiome at baseline, and adherence to therapy. The goal is to better understand how gut health may affect treatment outcomes and help guide future research in spondyloarthropathies.

Faecal Analyses in Spondyloarthritis Therapy