AB1794-HPR SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: IS THERE A GENDER DIFFERENCE?

Abstract

BackgroundSpondylarthritis (SpA) affects men more frequently than women. Few studies have analysed gender differences in clinical and biological characteristics of SpA, hence the purpose of this study.ObjectivesWe aimed to analyse gender differences in SpA manifestations and disease activity.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including 30 men and 30 women with SpA meeting the 2009 ASAS criteria. The comparison between men and women included the following data: age at onset, disease duration, clinical and biological characteristics, activity scores (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)), and functional impact (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI)).ResultsCompared to women, male patients had a younger age at disease onset (male (M)= 24.7 ±7.7 vs female (F)= 28.9 ±5.8, p= 0.00), a longer disease duration (M= 14.3 ±6.1 vs F= 11.9 ±4.2, p= 0.05), a longer morning stiffness (p=0.01) and a greater number of nocturnal awakenings (p=0.01). Similarly, SpA was more active in male patients compared to female patients: CRP (M= 22 ±3.5 vs F= 14 ±2, p=0.00) and ASDAS (M= 3.7 ±0.7 vs F= 2.9 ±0.2, p= 0.01). Coxitis was more common among male patients: M= 28.3% vs F= 13.3%, p= 0.00. However, no gender differences were observed for VS, BASDAI, BASFI and therapeutic strategy. Comorbidities were predominant in male patients: cardiovascular disease (M= 18.3% vs F= 8.3%, p=0.00), osteoporosis (M= 16% vs F= 13.3, p=0.05), hypertension (M= 15% vs F= 6.6%, p=0.01) and dyslipidemia (M= 11.6% vs F= 6.6%, p=0.00). However, depression was more common among female patients (p= 0.01).ConclusionOur study showed that SpA was more active in male patients. Comorbidities were more common among men compared to women. Further studies should be conducted to better illuminate gender differences in SpA.REFERENCES:NIL.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.