Abstract

Aim: Spondyloarthritis represents a group of diseases with common clinical features. When axial symptoms are predominant, the disease is called axial SpA (axSpA). Fibromyalgia frequently accompanies rheumatological diseases and affects the evaluation of disease activity measurements and treatment responses. In this study, we aimed to compare axSpA patients with and without accompanying fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). 
 Material and Method: The patients with axSpA were retrospectively reviewed according to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society classification criteria. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein data were used to evaluate disease activity. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) was used to evaluate the functional status of the patients.
 Results: The study included a total of 300 patients, including 162 (54%) males and 138 (46%) females. The median age of the patients (25%-75% IQR) was 35 (30-46) years. In the comparison of the two axSpA groups with and without FS, age, BASFI, ESR and CRP levels, and the rate of receiving biological therapy were similar. In the FS group, female gender was dominant (n = 46, 92%; p = 0.000) and the rates of peripheral arthritis and BASDAI were significantly higher (p = 0.024 and p = 0.004, respectively).
 Conclusion: AxSpA is frequently accompanied by FS, especially in women. The symptoms of FS cause an increase in disease activity scores. Therefore, it is evaluated as low treatment response. The disease activity of FS and axSpA should be carefully evaluated to lower treatment costs and apply more accurate treatment.

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