Rheumatology

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Spinal radiographic changes in ankylosing spondylitis: Association with clinical characteristics and functional outcome
Journal of Rheumatology, 06/16/09

Boonen A et al. – Data demonstrate that the radiographic spinal changes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are seen more often in men and those with hip involvement. Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI) status indicates the influence of radiographic changes and hip involvement, but does not reflect the presence of peripheral arthritis and does not differ between men and women.

• Study was undertaken to determine:
  • Which pts with AS have radiographic spinal damage and
  • Relation between radiographic spinal changes and limitations in physical function
• Treating physician completed a questionnaire including clinical disease manifestations and laboratory findings (HLA-B27 and CRP)
• Spinal radiographs were classified into 3 categories:
  1. No AS-related spinal abnormalities
  2. Syndesmophytes; and
  3. Spinal ankylosis
• Pts completed the BASDAI and the BASFI

• 619 pts fulfilled modified New York criteria for definite AS and had evaluable radiographic data
• 68% were male and disease duration was 17.5 yrs
• Male sex, younger age at symptom onset, and hip involvement were associated with radiographic changes
• However, HLA-B27, peripheral arthritis, and extraarticular disease status (uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease) were not
• Older age, BASDAI, hip involvement, and spinal change contributed to BASFI
• However, sex, disease duration, peripheral arthritis, and extraarticular manifestations did not

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