Efficacy - To assess efficacy of etanercept versus sulfasalazine when added to NSAIDs in
patients with moderate to severe active early axial spondyloarthritis duration of ongoing
axial symptoms of less than 5 years. Primary outcome is change of active inflammatory lesions
in sacroiliac joints and spine as detected by MRI at 12 months. Secondary outcome parameters
are clinical and laboratory efficacy parameters and MRI changes at 6 months and 2 years.
Comparisons will be made within the two treatment arms and compared to baseline. At the 1
year extension phase comparisons will be also made between year 1 and year 2. At the end of
the extended study a pelvic x-ray is planned.