Comorbidity burden in axial spondyloarthritis: a cluster analysis

Exploring associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms among Syrian patients with ankylosing spondylitis undergoing biological treatment: A cross-sectional study

People with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are vulnerable group to experience mood disorders. It is crucial to identify factors that contribute to depression and anxiety in order to improve outcomes. This study seeks to determine the rates of depression and anxiety in Syrian AS patients, as well as identify potential predictors for these conditions. This cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling at the Biological Treatment Unit of the Rheumatology Department of the Damascus Hospital. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with patients using validated structural questionnaire. A multivariate linear regression model was used to investigate potential predictive factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Of the 103 patients, 49.5% showed clinically significant depressive symptoms, and 36.9 % showed clinically significant anxiety symptoms. Multivariate linear regression indicated that depressive and anxiety symptoms were predicted by job layoff, hip pain, positive history of mental distress, poor quality of life, severe fatigue, and high frequency of sleep disturbance with relatively high explanatory powers. depressive and anxiety symptoms were predicted by disease activity scores but with low explanatory power. This study demonstrated high levels of that depressive and anxiety symptoms among Syrian patients with AS undergoing biological treatment. Poor quality of life, severe fatigue, and high-frequency sleep disturbances are major predictive factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Screening for depression and anxiety holds significant importance in the comprehensive management of ankylosing spondylitis even in the context of concurrent biological treatment administration.

Multimorbidity phenotypes in ankylosing spondylitis and their association with disease activity and functional impairment: Data from the prospective study of outcomes in ankylosing spondylitis cohort

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of multimorbidity phenotypes at baseline with disease activity and functional status over time in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

Patient-reported AS morbidities (comorbidities, N = 28 and extra-musculoskeletal manifestations, EMMs, N = 3) within 3 years of enrollment with a prevalence ≥1 %, were included from the Prospective Study of Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis (PSOAS) cohort. We defined multimorbidity as ≥2 morbidities (MM2+) and substantial multimorbidity as ≥5 morbidities (MM5+). Multimorbidity clusters or phenotypes were identified using K-median clustering. Disease activity (ASDAS-CRP) and functional status (BASFI) measures were collected every 6 months. Generalized estimating equation method was used to examine the associations of multimorbidity counts and multimorbidity clusters with measures of disease activity and functional status over time.

RESULTS

Among 1,270 AS patients (9,885 visits) with a median follow-up of 2.9 years (IQ range: 1.0-6.8 years), the prevalence of MM2+ and MM5+ was 49 % and 9 % respectively. We identified five multimorbidity clusters: depression (n = 321, 25 %), hypertension (n = 284, 22 %), uveitis (n = 274, 22 %), no morbidities (n = 238, 19 %), and miscellaneous (n = 153, 12 %). Patients in the depression cluster were more likely to be female and had significantly more morbidities and worse disease activity and functional status compared to those with no morbidities.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 49 % of AS patients in the PSOAS cohort had multimorbidity and five distinct multimorbidity phenotypes were identified. In addition to the number of morbidities, the type of morbidity appears to be important to longitudinal outcomes in AS. The depression cluster was associated with worse disease activity and function.

Frequency of irritable bowel syndrome in spondyloarthritis: a multicentric cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of symptoms and factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA).

METHODS

In a cross-sectional multicentric study, consecutive patients with ax-SpA treated with biologics in five rheumatology departments were asked for IBS Rome IV criteria. Demographic data, lifestyle behaviours and disease characteristics were recorded. Second, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 500 patients with ax-SpA included, 124 reported IBS symptoms (25%). Female gender, unemployment, higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and worse Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index scores, multiple lines of biologics, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression and lower physical activity were associated with IBS symptoms. In multivariate model, the risk of IBS was associated with anxiety and physical inactivity. From the literature review, the prevalence of IBS in patients with SpA was 15.4% (8.8% to 23.3%). Meta-analysis of the five studies comparing the presence of IBS in patients with SpA (323/7292) and healthy controls (484/35587) showed a significant increase of IBS in patients with SpA (OR=1.59 (1.05 to 2.40)).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of IBS symptoms was high in the ax-SpA population and should therefore be considered in the presence of gastrointestinal disorders. The presence of IBS symptoms was associated with anxiety and low physical activity in multivariate analysis. Patients with IBS symptoms tended to have more difficult to manage disease characterised by higher activity, worse functional score and multiple lines of treatment in univariate analysis.

Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises a spectrum of chronic inflammatory manifestations affecting the axial skeleton and represents a challenge for diagnosis and treatment. Our objective was to generate a set of evidence-based recommendations for the management of axSpA for physicians, health professionals, rheumatologists and policy decision makers in Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) countries. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation-ADOLOPMENT methodology was used to adapt existing recommendations after performing an independent systematic search and synthesis of the literature to update the evidence. A working group consisting of rheumatologists, epidemiologists and patient representatives from countries within the Americas prioritized 13 topics relevant to the context of these countries for the management of axSpA. This Evidence-Based Guideline article reports 13 recommendations addressing therapeutic targets, the use of NSAIDs and glucocorticoids, treatment with DMARDs (including conventional synthetic, biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs), therapeutic failure, optimization of the use of biologic DMARDs, the use of drugs for extra-musculoskeletal manifestations of axSpA, non-pharmacological interventions and the follow-up of patients with axSpA.

The association between comorbidities and disease activity in spondyloarthritis - A narrative review

Comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and depression, are more prevalent in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) than in the general population. Clinical and laboratory markers of disease activity are associated with numerous of these comorbidities, and studies suggest that the treatment of SpA can have a positive impact on comorbidities; conversely, managing comorbidities can improve disease activity. Therefore, the screening of comorbidities is considered a core component of a rheumatology consultation, and treatment should be performed in liaison with other health professionals (e.g. general physicians). Validated tools and questionnaires can be used for not only the detection but also the monitoring of potential comorbidities. Understanding whether a comorbidity is a separate disease entity, linked to SpA or its treatment, or an extra-musculoskeletal manifestation of the disease is important to identify the most appropriate treatment options.

Real-life data on the comorbidities in spondyloarthritis from our multicenter nationwide registry: BioStar

Objectives

Considering that the comorbid situations during the management of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) have been underlined in several recommendations, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the comorbid conditions of Turkish patients with SpA.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 1,242 SpA patients (844 males, 398 females; mean age: 43.9±11.0 years; range, 19 to 81 years) diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis or the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. The patient data were collected from the Biologic and targeted Synthetic antirheumatic drugs Registry (BioStar) between February 1, 2019, and December 29, 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including, age, sex, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), pain, patient's global assessment, physician's global assessment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Maastricht Enthesitis Score, were recorded. Comorbid conditions were recorded by filling out a questionnaire according to the clinical history or medical records. Charlson Comorbidity Index and Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index scores were calculated from the gathered comorbidity information.

Results

Nine hundred thirteen patients had radiographic axial SpA, 153 had nonradiographic axial SpA, and 176 had peripheral SpA. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HT) (n=167, 13.4%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=83, 6.7%), thyroid disorders (n=64, 5.6%), and depression (n=61, 4.9%). The comorbidities and the calculated comorbidity indices were significantly higher in females, in those with a BMI >25 kg/m2 , and those over 60 years of age. No relationship was found between smoking and alcohol use and comorbidities. A significantly higher prevalence of HT and DM in peripheral SpA patients and a lower prevalence of thyroid disorders in radiographic axial SpA patients were observed.

Conclusion

The most commonly reported comorbidities were HT, DM, thyroid disorders, and depression in SpA patients according to the BioStar database. The frequency of comorbidities and composite comorbidity scores were higher among females, older (>60 years) patients, and overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2 ) patients.

Real-world experience with secukinumab in the entire axial spondyloarthritis spectrum

Background

Secukinumab is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA, i.e., ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axSpA) across various clinical trials. However, data of secukinumab in clinical practice is still limited. Here, we aimed to provide real-world data on secukinumab use, effectiveness, and persistence in axSpA.

Patients and methods

Retrospective, multicenter study of patients with a diagnosis of axSpA treated with secukinumab at 12 centers up to June 2021 in the Valencian Community (Spain). Information was gathered on BASDAI measurement, pain, patient and physician global assessment (ptGA, phGA) using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), persistence and other secondary variables by treatment line (first, second, and ≥ third) for up to 24 months.

Results

221 patients were included (69% men; mean age [standard deviation, SD]: 46.7 [12.1] years old). Secukinumab was used as a first-line bDMARD in 38% of patients, as a second-line in 34% and as a ≥ hird-line in 28%. The percentage of patients achieving low disease activity (BASDAI<4) increased from 9% at baseline to 48% at month 6 and was maintained (49%) up to month 24. The greatest improvement in BASDAI was observed in naïve patients (month 6: -2.6; month 24: -3.7), followed by second-line (month 6: -1.9; month 24: -3.1) and ≥ third-line (month 6: -1.3; month 24: -2.3) patients. Reductions in mean pain VAS (-23.3; -31.9), ptGA (-25.1; -31.9) and phGA (-25.1; -31) were also observed at 6 and 24 months. Secukinumab showed an overall 12-months persistence rate of 70% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63-77%) and a 24-months persistence rate of 58% (95% CI, 51-66%). Patients receiving first-line secukinumab had the highest 24-months persistence rate (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Secukinumab improved disease activity in axSpA patients, especially in naive, and second-line patients, which was accompanied by high persistence rates up to 24 months.

Association between air pollutants and initiation of biological therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide, population-based, nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Outdoor air pollution has been found to trigger systemic inflammatory responses and aggravate the activity of certain rheumatic diseases. However, few studies have explored the influence of air pollution on the activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As patients with active AS in Taiwan can be reimbursed through the National Health Insurance programme for biological therapy, we investigated the association between air pollutants and the initiation of reimbursed biologics for active AS.

METHODS

Since 2011, hourly concentrations of ambient air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3, have been estimated in Taiwan. Using Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients with newly diagnosed AS from 2003 to 2013. We selected 584 patients initiating biologics from 2012 to 2013 and 2336 gender-, age at biologic initiation-, year of AS diagnosis- and disease duration-matched controls. We examined the associations of biologics initiation with air pollutants exposure within 1 year prior to biologic use whilst adjusting for potential confounders, including disease duration, urbanisation level, monthly income, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), uveitis, psoriasis and the use of medications for AS. Results are shown as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The initiation of biologics was associated with exposure to CO (per 1 ppm) (aOR, 8.57; 95% CI, 2.02-36.32) and NO2 (per 10 ppb) (aOR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.50). Other independent predictors included disease duration (incremental year, aOR, 8.95), CCI (aOR, 1.31), psoriasis (aOR, 25.19), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aOR, 23.66), methotrexate use (aOR, 4.50; 95% CI, 2.93-7.00), sulfasalazine use (aOR, 12.16; 95% CI, 8.98-15.45) and prednisolone equivalent dosages (mg/day, aOR, 1.12).

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide, population-based study revealed the initiation of reimbursed biologics was positively associated with CO levels, but negatively associated with NO₂ levels. Major limitations included lack of information on individual smoking status and multicollinearity amongst air pollutants.

Alterations in the gut virome in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Introduction

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic autoimmune disease, has been linked to the gut bacteriome.

Methods

To investigate the characteristics of the gut virome in AS, we profiled the gut viral community of 193 AS patients and 59 healthy subjects based on a metagenome-wide analysis of fecal metagenomes from two publicly available datasets.

Results

AS patients revealed a significant decrease in gut viral richness and a considerable alteration of the overall viral structure. At the family level, AS patients had an increased abundance of Gratiaviridae and Quimbyviridae and a decreased abundance of Drexlerviridae and Schitoviridae. We identified 1,004 differentially abundant viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) between patients and controls, including a higher proportion of AS-enriched Myoviridae viruses and control-enriched Siphoviridae viruses. Moreover, the AS-enriched vOTUs were more likely to infect bacteria such as Flavonifractor, Achromobacter, and Eggerthellaceae, whereas the control-enriched vOTUs were more likely to be Blautia, Ruminococcus, Collinsella, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium bacteriophages. Additionally, some viral functional orthologs differed significantly in frequency between the AS-enriched and control-enriched vOTUs, suggesting the functional role of these AS-associated viruses. Moreover, we trained classification models based on gut viral signatures to discriminate AS patients from healthy controls, with an optimal area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) up to 0.936, suggesting the clinical potential of the gut virome for diagnosing AS.

Discussion

This work provides novel insight into the AS gut virome, and the findings may guide future mechanistic and therapeutic studies for other autoimmune diseases.

Anti-CD74 IgA antibodies show diagnostic potential for axial spondyloarthritis but are not associated with microscopic gut inflammation

OBJECTIVES

Gut inflammation commonly occurs in axial SpA (axSpA), and is linked to disease activity and outcome. Given the role of IgA in mucosal immunity, we explored the association between anti-CD74 IgA antibodies, gut inflammation and axSpA.

METHODS

Anti-CD74 IgA was measured by ELISA in serum samples of axSpA patients, fulfilling the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria. A group of fibromyalgia (FM) and RA patients served as non-inflammatory and inflammatory controls. Newly diagnosed axSpA patients underwent ileocolonoscopy; mucosal biopsies were histopathologically assessed as normal, acute or chronically inflamed. Optimal anti-CD74 IgA cut-off values were determined with a receiver operating characteristics curve.

RESULTS

axSpA patients (n = 281) showed higher anti-CD74 IgA levels [mean (s.d.) 18.8 (12.4) U/ml] compared with 100 FM patients [10.9 (5.0) U/ml, P < 0.001] and 34 RA patients [13.7 (9.6) U/ml, P = 0.02]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for diagnosis (axSpA vs FM) was 0.70, providing a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 87% (cut-off 15 U/ml). Antibody concentrations were not significantly different between axSpA patients with (n = 40) and without (n = 69) gut inflammation (P = 0.83), yielding an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.51. Anti-CD74 IgA levels were not associated with degree of bone marrow oedema on MRI of the sacroiliac joints, CRP or any other disease-specific feature such as the use of NSAIDs or biological treatment.

CONCLUSION

Serum anti-CD74 IgA is a potentially useful diagnostic biomarker for axSpA. However, antibody levels do not correlate with any phenotypical feature, including microscopic gut inflammation, suggesting this to be a disease-specific rather than an inflammatory marker.

Health-related quality of life among spondyloarthritis and chronic low back pain patients: results from a nationwide population-based survey

PURPOSE

Both spondyloarthritis and chronic low back pain (CLBP) significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It is important to clarify whether these disorders have different impacts on the several domains of HRQoL as different mechanisms may necessitate different treatment interventions. Moreover, the factors associated with HRQoL can inform more targeted group interventions to promote HRQoL.

METHODS

We used data from EpiReumaPt, a population-based survey conducted from September 2011 to December 2013. HRQoL was assessed with EuroQoL-5-Dimensions (EQ-5D). Spondyloarthritis was diagnosed by expert opinion (rheumatologist) and predefined criteria. CLBP was diagnosed if low back pain was present on the day of the interview and persisted for > 90 days. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses compared HRQoL among subjects with spondyloarthritis, CLBP, and no rheumatic diseases. Multivariable linear regression analyses evaluated HRQoL factors in spondyloarthritis and CLBP subjects.

RESULTS

We included 92 spondyloarthritis patients, 1376 CLBP patients, and 679 subjects without rheumatic diseases. HRQoL was similarly affected in spondyloarthritis and CLBP (ß =  - 0.03, 95% CI [- 0.08; 0.03]) in all EQ5D dimensions. A much lower HRQoL was found in spondyloarthritis and CLBP patients compared with subjects without rheumatic diseases (ß =  - 0.14, 95% CI [- 0.19; - 0.10]; ß =  - 0.12, 95% CI [- 0.14; - 0.09], respectively). In spondyloarthritis subjects, multimorbidity and active disease were associated with worse HRQoL (ß =  - 0.18; 95% CI [- 0.24; 0.03]; ß =  - 0.13; 95% CI [- 0.29; - 0.05], respectively), and regular physical exercise was associated with better HRQoL (ß = 0.18; 95% CI [0.10; 0.30]). In CLBP subjects, multimorbidity (β =  - 0.11; 95% CI [- 0.14; - 0.08]), obesity (β =  - 0.04; 95% CI [- 0.08; - 0.01]), and low back pain intensity (β =  - 0.02; 95% CI [- 0.03; - 0.02]) were associated with worse HRQoL, and regular physical exercise (β = 0.08; 95% CI [0.05; 0.11]) was significantly associated with better HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Spondyloarthritis and CLBP subjects reported similar levels of impairment in the mental, physical, and social domains of HRQoL. Future health plans should address modifiable factors associated with HRQoL in these conditions to achieve better outcomes.

Resources and strategies for the optimal care of patients with axial spondyloarthritis: The CREA project

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are musculoskeletal diseases with different manifestations. In clinical practice, variability, and limitations in the collection of the outcomes required for follow-up have been observed. The objective of the CREA project was to agree on improvement strategies for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with axSpA in Spain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey with 33 questions was conducted by a representative sample of rheumatologists on clinical practice, resources, and present limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. The results of the survey were discussed in 10 regional meetings, and 105 strategies were proposed and evaluated through a Delphi consensus in which 85 experts participated.

RESULTS

The lack of time for clinical visits, the lack of nurses and/or support staff and the delay in performing the imaging tests were the most prominent limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. One hundred and five strategies were proposed related to the evaluation of disease activity, physical function, quality of life and disease impact, to the evaluation of comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations, laboratory tests; imaging tests, physical examination and metrology. Of the total, 85 were considered highly advisable. No regional differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposals agreed upon as highly advisable in the present study are applicable to the entire national territory, allow tighter and more homogeneous monitoring of the patients with axSpA, facilitate more comprehensive management of the disease, and respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey.

ASAS-EULAR recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis: 2022 update

OBJECTIVES

To update the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS)-EULAR recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

METHODS

Following the EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures, two systematic literature reviews were conducted on non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of axSpA. In a task force meeting, the evidence was presented, discussed, and overarching principles and recommendations were updated, followed by voting.

RESULTS

Five overarching principles and 15 recommendations with a focus on personalised medicine were agreed: eight remained unchanged from the previous recommendations; three with minor edits on nomenclature; two with relevant updates (#9, 12); two newly formulated (#10, 11). The first five recommendations focus on treatment target and monitoring, non-pharmacological management and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as first-choice pharmacological treatment. Recommendations 6-8 deal with analgesics and discourage long-term glucocorticoids and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for pure axial involvement. Recommendation 9 describes the indication of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs, that is, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i)) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs, ie, Janus kinase inhibitors) for patients who have Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score ≥2.1 and failed ≥2 NSAIDs and also have either elevated C reactive protein, MRI inflammation of sacroiliac joints or radiographic sacroiliitis. Current practice is to start a TNFi or IL-17i. Recommendation 10 addresses extramusculoskeletal manifestations with TNF monoclonal antibodies preferred for recurrent uveitis or inflammatory bowel disease, and IL-17i for significant psoriasis. Treatment failure should prompt re-evaluation of the diagnosis and consideration of the presence of comorbidities (#11). If active axSpA is confirmed, switching to another b/tsDMARD is recommended (#12). Tapering, rather than immediate discontinuation of a bDMARD, can be considered in patients in sustained remission (#13). The last recommendations (#14, 15) deal with surgery and spinal fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2022 ASAS-EULAR recommendations provide up-to-date guidance on the management of patients with axSpA.

Clinical Characteristics of Psoriasis for Initiation of Biologic Therapy: A Cluster Analysis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a complex and heterogeneous disease that widely affects a patient's life. Biological therapy is usually prescribed in patients with severe psoriasis that do not respond to conventional treatment. However, data on the specific patient characteristics receiving biologics are still unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

To classify patients with psoriasis into subgroups with distinct phenotypes through cluster analysis, and to evaluate the differences between the clusters to predict disease prognosis by examining the response to biological therapy.

METHODS

The clinical characteristics of the patients with psoriasis were investigated and categorized using hierarchical cluster analysis. After clustering, the clinical characteristics of the patients were compared and the initiation of treatment with biologics according to the clusters were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 361 patients with psoriasis were classified into two clusters using 16 distinct clinical phenotypes. Group 1 (n=202) consisted of male smokers and alcohol users with higher psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), older age of onset, higher body mass index, and comorbidities including psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes when compared to group 2 (n=159). Group 1 had a significantly higher probability of biological treatment initiation than group 2 (p=0.039). The measured risk factors for the initiation of biologics compared were PASI (p<0.001) and nail involvement (p=0.022).

CONCLUSION

Cluster analysis classified patients with psoriasis into two subgroups according to their clinical characteristics. Predicting the disease prognosis using a combination of specific clinical parameters may aid in the management of the disease.

Association of blood pressure and hypertension with radiographic damage among the patients with ankyloing spondylitis

To investigate the association of blood pressure and hypertension with disease severity among the patients with ankyloing spondylitis (AS). There were 167 AS patients enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Blood pressure was measured and the presence of hypertension was recorded. Patient's disease severity, including disease activity, functional ability, patient's global assessments, physical mobility and radiographic damage were evaluated. ESR and CRP levels were tested. We recorded patient's medication use of NSAIDs, DMARDs and TNF-α blockers. Smoking, exercise habit, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and obesity indices were assessed. Multivariate linear regression showed that systolic blood pressure was associated with TNF-α blocker [standard coefficient (β) = 0.194, P = .007], DMARDs (β = 0.142, P = .046), age (β = 0.211, P = .003), male gender (β = 0.242, P = .001) and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.245, P = .001). Diastolic blood pressure was associated with cervical rotation (β = -0.174, P = .037), lateral lumbar flexion (β = -0.178, P = .019), m-SASSS (β = 0.198, P = .038) and BMI (β = 0.248, P = .003). Notably, multivariate logistic regression showed that hypertension was associated with m-SASSS (OR = 1.033, P = .033), age (OR = 1.098, P = .0010) and BMI (OR = 1.210, P = .003). Using ROC cure analyses, age, BASMI, BASRI-Total, m-SASSS, waist circumference, BMI and waist-to-height ratio were useful in predicting hypertension, and m-SASSS is the best (AUC = 0.784, P < .001). Advanced radiographic damage is an independent risk factor of hypertension in AS, and m-SASSS is the most useful disease severity parameter in predicting the presence of hypertension. Advanced radiographic damage, poor cervical rotation, lateral lumbar flexion, older age, male gender, TNF-α blocker, DMARDs use and obesity are associated with increased blood pressure.

Inflammatory Arthritis Facilitators and Barriers (IFAB) for physical activity questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation into Turkish and evaluation of its psychometric properties

PURPOSE

We aimed to conduct the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Inflammatory arthritis Facilitators and Barriers (IFAB) questionnaire into Turkish language for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and analyze the psychometric properties of the IFAB-Turkish version (IFAB-Tr).

METHODS

Data from ninety-three patients with axSpA were analyzed who completed the IFAB-Tr, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, floor and ceiling effect, measurement error were examined. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Small modification was needed in the translation and cultural adaptation process. Internal consistency of the IFAB-Tr total score was 0.71 and test-retest reliability was excellent for IFAB-Tr (ICC = 0.90). A moderate negative correlation was found between IFAB-Tr total score and HAQ, HADS, BASFI scores. No floor and ceiling effect was detected. Minimal detectable change was 10.34 points. EFA revealed two factors which accounted for 55% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

The IFAB was successfully translated into the Turkish language and seems suitable for evaluating barriers and facilitators for physical activity in rheumatic diseases and could be used in clinical settings before designing a physical activity intervention.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Turkish version of the Inflammatory arthritis FAcilitators and Barriers (IFAB) is a valid and reliable tool to assess barriers and facilitators to physical activity for patients with axial spondyloarthritis.More work is needed to assess all psychometric properties of the IFAB questionnaire in other inflammatory rheumatic disorders.The Inflammatory arthritis FAcilitators and Barriers questionnaire in Turkish is an easy and quick way to determine potential barriers to physical activity in clinical and research settings.

Patient perspectives on health care provider practices leading to an axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis: an exploratory qualitative research study

BACKGROUND

The average time to a diagnosis for people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is 7-10 years. Delayed diagnosis may result in increased structural damage, worse physical function, and worse quality of life relative to patients with a timely axSpA diagnosis. Understanding patient experiences may provide insights for how to reduce diagnostic delays.

OBJECTIVE

To provide foundational knowledge about patient experiences with healthcare providers leading to an axSpA diagnosis.

METHODS

We conducted an exploratory qualitative research study with six focus groups interviews with participants recruited from three rheumatology clinics within the United States (MA (n = 3); CO (n = 2); PA (n = 1)) that included a total of 26 adults (10 females, 16 males) with rheumatologist confirmed diagnosis of axSpA in 2019. Focus groups were ~ 2 h, audio recorded, transcribed, and subject to dual coding. The codes reviewed were in relation to the patients' diagnostic experiences.

RESULTS

Patients described frustrating and lengthy diagnostic journeys. They recognized that the causes of diagnostic delays in axSpA are multifactorial (e.g., no definitive diagnostic test, disease characteristics, lack of primary care provider's awareness about axSpA, trust). Patients described how doctors minimized or dismissed complaints about symptoms or told them that their issues were psychosomatic. Patients believed the healthcare system contributed to diagnostic delays (e.g., lack of time in clinical visits, difficulty accessing rheumatologists, health insurance challenges). Advice to physicians to reduce the diagnostic delay included allowing time for patients to give a complete picture of their illness experience, listening to, and believing patients, earlier referral to rheumatology, provision of HLA-B27 gene testing, and that physicians need to partner with their patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients desire a definitive test that could be administered earlier in the course of axSpA. Until such a test is available, patients want clinicians who listen to, believe, and partner with them, and who will follow them until a diagnosis is reached. Educating primary care clinicians about guidelines and referral for diagnosis of axSpA could reduce diagnostic delay.

A cluster analysis of patients with axial spondyloarthritis using tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors based on clinical characteristics

Background

This study aimed to classify the distinct group of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) on tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFi) according to the baseline characteristics using a clustering algorithm.

Methods

The clinical characteristics and demographic data of patients with axial SpA included in the Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics and Targeted Therapy registry were investigated. The patterns of disease manifestations were examined using divisive hierarchical cluster analysis. After clustering, we compared the clinical characteristics of patients and the drug survival of TNFi between the classified groups.

Results

A total of 1042 patients were analysed. The cluster analysis classified patients into two groups: axial group predominantly showing isolated axial manifestations (n = 828) and extra-axial group more frequently showing extra-axial symptoms (n = 214). Almost all extra-axial symptoms (peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, uveitis, and psoriasis) were more frequently observed in the extra-axial group than in the axial group. Moreover, patients in the extra-axial group had shorter disease duration, later disease onset, and higher disease activity than those in the axial group. The disease activity was comparable between the two groups after 1 year of treatment with TNFi. Interestingly, the extra-axial group had a lower drug survival with TNFi than the axial group (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Cluster analysis of patients with axial SpA using TNFi classified two distinct clinical phenotypes. These clusters had different TNFi drug survival, clinical characteristics, and disease activity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02647-z.

Comorbidity and response to TNF inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis: longitudinal analysis of the BSRBR-AS

Objective

Comorbidities influence disease assessment in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), but their association with response to TNF inhibitors (TNFi) is unclear. We examined associations between comorbidity history at TNFi initiation and: (i) change in disease indices over time; (ii) binary response definitions; and (iii) time to treatment discontinuation.

Methods

We studied participants starting their first TNFi from a national axSpA register. Comorbidity categories were created from 14 physician-diagnosed conditions and compared against: change in disease indices over time using linear mixed effects models; BASDAI50/2 (50% or 2-unit reduction) and BASDAI < 4 at 6 months using logistic models; and time to treatment discontinuation using Cox models. Models were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, deprivation and education.

Results

In total, 994 were eligible for analysis (68% male, mean age 45 years); 21% had one comorbidity and 11% had ≥2. Baseline disease severity was higher in those with comorbidities across all indices, but absolute improvement over time was comparable for BASDAI and spinal pain. Participants with ≥2 comorbidities had smaller absolute improvement in BASFI and quality of life. This group also had numerically reduced odds of achieving BASDAI50/2 [odds ratio (OR) 0.81; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.45] and BASDAI < 4 (OR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.32, 1.04). Treatment discontinuation was increased in those with two comorbidities [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32; 95% CI: 0.88, 2.00] and ≥3 comorbidities (HR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.93) compared with none.

Conclusions

Participants with multiple comorbidities had poorer treatment outcomes, particularly increased treatment discontinuation and poorer improvements in function and quality of life. These results inform clinicians and educate patients about response to the first TNFi given comorbidity burden.

Multimorbidity Accrual After Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Wolf at the Door

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has long been recognized to have serious extraarticular manifestations such as interstitial lung disease (ILD).¹ Consequences of immunosuppressive medications used to treat RA include serious infections, liver toxicity, and osteoporosis leading to fracture.^2,3.

Physical therapy in axial spondyloarthritis: guidelines, evidence and clinical practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Physical therapy is recommended for the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with the focus of promoting physical activity and prescribing exercise within four domains, outlined recently by the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR): aerobic, resistance, flexibility and neuro-motor exercise. There is an increasing evidence base to support physical therapy interventions in axSpA.

RECENT FINDINGS

We present evidence supporting the use of exercise as treatment for patients with axSpA, recent updates among different exercise modalities, and make clear its critical place in the management of this condition. Recent large, multicentre data have shown that high-intensity exercise can improve disease activity and also positively impact cardiovascular risk factors in these patients. Although international treatment guidelines advocate the inclusion of physical activity and exercise for the optimal management of axSpA, specific guidance about the amount of exercise required to produce a beneficial effect is lacking.

SUMMARY

Exercise must be used in the management of axSpA, and whilst hydrotherapy and flexibility exercises are traditionally the main focus, other applications, such as strength training, may be underutilized domains. Further studies are needed to determine the dose-response relationship between exercise and axSpA patient subsets.

Diagnostic delay in axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Delay to diagnosis in axial SpA (axSpA) is longer than in many other rheumatic diseases. Prolonged delay is associate with poorer outcomes, including functional impairment and quality of life. Our aims were to describe global variation in delay to diagnosis, factors associated with delay, and delay compared with PsA.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science using a predefined protocol. Diagnostic delay was defined as years between the age at symptom onset and at diagnosis. We pooled the mean delay using random effects inverse variance meta-analysis. We examined variations in pooled estimates using prespecified subgroup analyses and sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression.

Results

A total of 64 studies reported the mean diagnostic delay in axSpA patients. The pooled mean delay was 6.7 years (95% CI 6.2, 7.2) with high levels of heterogeneity. Delay to diagnosis did not improve over time when stratifying results by year of publication. Studies from high-income countries (defined by the World Bank) reported longer delays than those from middle-income countries. Factors consistently reported to be associated with longer delays were lower education levels, younger age at symptom onset and absence of extra-articular manifestations (EAMs). The pooled estimate for diagnostic delay from 8 PsA studies was significantly shorter, at 2.6 years (95% CI 1.6, 3.6).

Conclusion

For axSpA patients, delay to diagnosis remains unacceptably prolonged in many parts of the world. Patient factors (e.g. education) and disease presentation (onset age and EAMs) should inform campaigns to improve delay.

Physical activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis and the impact of overall attitudes, barriers, and facilitators: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between self-reported physical activity level and overall attitudes and barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and to compare health status and quality of life (QoL) in people with different levels of physical activity.

METHODS

Four hundred forty-five members of the Danish Patient Association for Axial Spondyloarthritis completed an online survey including questions on physical activity, overall attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to physical activity, health, and QoL. Nonparametric tests and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The response rate was 46%, median age 56 years (range 22-85), and 54% were men. In all, 23% reported low physical activity (physical activity ≥30 min on a moderate intensity level ≤1 day/week), 36% were moderately physically active (2-3 days/week), and 41% reported high physical activity (≥4 days/week). In a multivariate model, high physical activity was associated with a positive overall attitude ("physical activity is ok," OR 5.44, 95%CI [1.24, 23.87], and "I like physical activity," OR 14.22, 95%CI [3.34, 60.61]), and higher disagreement with barriers to physical activity, OR 1.12, 95%CI [1.07, 1.17]). People with moderate or high physical activity levels reported better self-perceived health and QoL, compared with those with low physical activity level (p ≤ 0.003).

CONCLUSION

To support changes in physical activity level in people with axSpA, health professionals need to discuss attitudes and barriers to physical activity with their clients. Barriers seem to be of greater significance than facilitators of any kind.

Feasibility, acceptability and change in health following a telephone-based cognitive behaviour therapy intervention for patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Objective

The aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a telephone-based cognitive behaviour therapy (tCBT) intervention for individuals with axial SpA (axSpA), with and without co-morbid FM, and to measure the change in patient-reported health outcomes.

Methods

A convenience sample of individuals recruited from British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Registry for AS (BSRBR-AS) sites were offered a course of tCBT (framed as coaching). Patient-reported outcomes were measured at baseline and on course completion. Semi-structured qualitative interviews assessed intervention acceptability. Thematic analysis was informed by the theoretical framework of acceptability.

Results

Forty-two participants attended for initial assessment. Those completing at least one tCBT session (n = 28) were younger, more likely to meet classification criteria for FM (57 vs 29%) and reported higher disease activity. Modest improvements were reported across a range of disease activity and wider health measures, with 62% of patients self-rating their health as improved (median 13 weeks post-intervention). Twenty-six participants were interviewed (including six who discontinued after initial assessment). tCBT was widely acceptable, offering a personalized approach. Despite low or unclear expectations, participants described improved sleep and psychological well-being and gained new skills to support self-management. Reasons for non-uptake of tCBT centred on lack of perceived need and fit with individual value systems. Many felt that tCBT would be most useful closer to diagnosis.

Conclusion

Higher uptake among axSpA patients with co-morbid FM suggests that these individuals have additional needs. The findings are helpful in identifying patients most likely to engage with and benefit from tCBT and to maximize participation.

Depression in patients with spondyloarthritis: prevalence, incidence, risk factors, mechanisms and management

Depression is a major neuropsychiatric disorder common in patients with rheumatological conditions including spondyloarthritis (SpA). It is associated with higher disease activity, functional impairment, poor treatment response and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Using ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as examples, we have reviewed the evidence regarding the burden, risk factors, potential mechanisms and clinical management of depression in spondyloarthritis. The prevalence of depression is higher in patients with AS and PsA compared with the general population, with evidence of moderate/severe depression in about 15% of patients with AS or PsA. Mild depression is even more common and estimated to be present in about 40% of patients with AS. In addition to conventional risk factors such as stressful life events and socioeconomic deprivation, increased risk of depression in SpA may be associated with disease-related factors, such as disease activity, poor quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Emerging evidence implicates inflammation in the aetiology of depression, which could also be a shared mechanism for depression and chronic inflammatory conditions such as AS and PsA. It is imperative for clinicians to actively assess and treat depression in SpA, as this could improve treatment adherence, quality of life, and overall long-term clinical and occupational outcomes. The use of validated tools can aid recognition and management of depression in rheumatology clinics. Management of depression in SpA, especially when to refer to specialist mental health services, are discussed.

Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Interleukin-17A Monoclonal Antibody Secukinumab in Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Meta-Analysis

Different signaling pathways have been studied in ankylosing spondylitis. New treatment options such as secukinumab could have an important role inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokine IL-17. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in ankylosing spondylitis. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assess the role of secukinumab in ankylosing spondylitis. The variables were safety (total adverse events, serious adverse events, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, deaths, discontinuation due to adverse events, candida, neutropenia, and diarrhea) and efficacy based on quality-of-life scores (ASAS 20, ASAS 40, ASAS 5/6, ASASPR). Three RCTs (770 patients) that compare secukinumab with placebo were included in the study. There were significant differences in the quality-of-life scores in favor of the secukinumab group (p < 0.05). Regarding the adverse events, there were higher rates of any adverse events in the secukinumab group (p < 0.05). Also, the secukinumab group showed a higher rate of nasopharyngitis and diarrhea (p < 0.05). The use of secukinumab in ankylosing spondylitis increased the quality of life and had more adverse events rate compared with placebo.

Prevalence and impact of comorbidities in axial spondyloarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Comorbidities are common in people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to: (i) describe the prevalence of commonly reported comorbidities, (ii) compare comorbidities between axSpA and control populations, and (iii) examine the impact of comorbidity burden on axSpA outcomes.

METHODS

We systematically searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using a predefined protocol in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We excluded studies of only one comorbid condition or a few closely related diseases within one organ system. Where possible, meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included for analysis. 36 studies reported prevalence of comorbidities, amounting to a combined sample size of 119 427 patients. The number of comorbidities studied ranged from 3 to 43. The most prevalent individual comorbidities were hypertension (pooled prevalence 23%), hyperlipidaemia (17%) and obesity (14%). Eleven studies consistently showed higher prevalence of comorbidities in axSpA than controls, particularly large differences were seen for depression [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.80] and heart failure (OR 1.84). Comorbidities (total number of and individual conditions) were also associated with axSpA disease activity, functional impairment, quality of life, work productivity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidities are common in axSpA, particularly cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. Most comorbidities were more prevalent in axSpA patients than in control populations. Overall comorbidity burden, and many individual conditions, were associated with axSpA outcomes including worse disease severity, work productivity and mortality.

Primary care physician perspectives on barriers to diagnosing axial Spondyloarthritis: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The average delay in diagnosis for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is 7 to 10 years. Factors that contribute to this delay are multifactorial and include the lack of diagnostic criteria (although classification criteria exist) for axSpA and the difficulty in distinguishing inflammatory back pain, a key symptom of axSpA, from other highly prevalent forms of low back pain. We sought to describe reasons for diagnostic delay for axSpA provided by primary care physicians.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative research study which included 18 US primary care physicians, balanced by gender. Physicians provided informed consent to participate in an in-depth interview (< 60 min), conducted in person (n = 3) or over the phone (n = 15), in 2019. The analysis focuses on thoughts about factors contributing to diagnostic delay in axSpA.

RESULTS

Physicians noted that the disease characteristics contributing to diagnostic delay include: back pain is common and axSpA is less prevalent, slow progression of axSpA, intermittent nature of axSpA pain, and in the absence of abnormal radiographs of the spine or sacroiliac joints, there is no definitive test for axSpA. Patient characteristics believed to contribute to diagnostic delay included having multiple conditions in need of attention, infrequent interactions with the health care system, and "doctor shopping." Doctors noted that patients wait until the last moments of the clinical encounter to discuss back pain. Problematic physician characteristics included lack of rapport with patients, lack of setting appropriate expectations, and attribution of back pain to other factors. Structural/system issues included short appointments, lack of continuity of care, insufficient insurance coverage for tests, lack of back pain clinics, and a shortage of rheumatologists.

CONCLUSION

Primary care physicians agreed that lengthy axSpA diagnosis delays are challenging to address owing to the multifactorial causes (e.g., disease characteristics, patient characteristics, lack of definitive tests, system factors).

The prevalence and impact of comorbidities on patients with axial spondyloarthritis: results from a nationwide population-based study

Background

In contrast to other chronic rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, comorbidities in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and their impact on disease outcomes are less well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of comorbidities and their association with disease activity and functional impairment in a large population-based cohort of patients with axSpA.

Methods

A random sample of patients with axSpA, stratified by age and sex, was drawn from health insurance data. Patients in the sample received a survey on demographic, socioeconomic, and disease-related parameters. Comorbidities were defined using the Elixhauser coding algorithms excluding rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular diseases and including osteoporosis and fibromyalgia, resulting in a set of 32 comorbidities. The prevalence of comorbidities in the axSpA patients and their pharmacological treatment were examined. Multivariable linear regression models were calculated to determine the association of comorbidities with disease activity and functional status.

Results

A total of 1776 axSpA patients were included in the analyses (response, 47%; mean age, 56 years; 46% female). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, depression, and chronic pulmonary disorders. The number of comorbidities was significantly associated with both the BASDAI and BASFI: β (95% CI) = 0.17 (0.09–0.24) and 0.24 (0.15–0.32), respectively. When analysed separately, hypertension, depression, and chronic pulmonary disease were comorbidities with a significant and independent association with BASFI, while for BASDAI, such an association was found for depression and chronic pulmonary disease only.

Conclusions

Comorbidities are common in axSpA patients and are associated with higher disease activity and higher levels of functional impairment. Higher disease activity and higher levels of functional impairment might be indicators of severe disease resulting in the development of comorbidities.

An update on serum biomarkers to assess axial spondyloarthritis and to guide treatment decision

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a group of debilitating, chronic, rheumatic conditions characterized by inflammation and new bone formation, mainly involving the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The lack of biomarkers in axSpA is well known. Despite significant treatment advances in recent years thanks to the introduction of drugs with a new mode of action, such as new biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, no relevant improvement in the identification of disease biomarkers has been achieved. Common parameters, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, which are routinely used to measure systemic inflammation, are the sole markers available to date and are not adequate to assess disease activity in all patients. The aim of this study is to review the most promising serum biomarkers that may help treatment decision in axSpA via a proper assessment of disease activity and identification of negative prognostic factors.

Comparison of comorbidities and treatment between ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in the United States

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare comorbidities and biologic DMARD (bDMARD) use between AS and non-radiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA) patients, using a large cohort of patients from routine clinical practice in the United States.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study using electronic medical records from two academic hospitals in the United States. Data were extracted using automated searches (⩾3 ICD codes combined with text searches) and supplemented with manual chart review. Patients were categorized into AS or nr-axSpA according to classification criteria. Disease features, comorbidities (from a list of 39 chronic conditions) and history of bDMARD prescription were compared using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Among 965 patients identified, 775 (80%) were classified as having axSpA. The cohort was predominantly male (74%) with a mean age of 52.5 years (s.d. 16.8). AS patients were significantly older (54 vs 46 years), more frequently male (77% vs 64%) and had higher serum inflammatory markers than those with nr-axSpA (median CRP 3.4 vs 2.2 mg/dl). Half of all patients had at least one comorbidity. The mean number of comorbidities was 1.5 (s.d. 2.2) and similar between AS and nr-axSpA groups. A history of bDMARD-use was seen in 55% of patients with no difference between groups. The most commonly prescribed bDMARDs were adalimumab (31%) and etanercept (29%). Ever-prescriptions of individual bDMARDs were similar between AS and nr-axSpA.

CONCLUSION

Despite age differences, nr-axSpA patients had similar comorbidity burdens as those with AS. Both groups received comparable bDMARD treatment in this United States clinic-based cohort.

Prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease that affects the axial skeleton. In this study, we systematically reviewed Chinese AS epidemiological studies from the past 15 years to elucidate its prevalence and provide scientific data for China's health care system. AS epidemiological research in China was summarized by conducting a literature review. A review and statistical analysis of the literature on the epidemiology of AS in mainland China published from May 2005 to May 2019 were performed via a meta-analysis. We calculated the prevalence of AS and analysed differences by sex, region, and population source using STATA12.0 software. Eleven papers including 122,558 subjects from mainland China were included. Over the past 15 years, the total prevalence of AS in mainland China was 0.29% (95% CI 0.22-0.35%), ranging from 0.42% (95% CI 0.31-0.52%) in males to 0.15% (95% CI 0.13-0.18%) in females; the difference in the prevalence of AS by sex was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence of AS in both southern and northern China was 0.31% (95% CI 0.21-0.42% and 0.21-0.40%, respectively), with no significant difference noted (P = 0.816 > 0.005). The prevalence of AS in Chinese military populations was 0.27% (95% CI 0.09-0.45%), and in community populations, it was 0.29% (95% CI 0.23-0.35%). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of AS by sampling resource (P = 0.115 > 0.005). The prevalence of AS in China was 0.29% and continues to increase. Sex differences in its prevalence were identified; the prevalence rate was 2.8 times higher in males than in females. Epidemiologists in China should formulate precise scientific investigations to provide additional authoritative epidemiological data for the prevention and treatment of AS.