Managing comorbidities in spondyloarthritis patients – to what extent do rheumatologists carry the burden?

Abstract

Objective. The spondyloarthritis group comprises chronic inflammatory conditions that share clinical, genetic and radiographic features. The impact of comorbidities on disease activity is not entirely known. The aim of this study is to identify the frequency and management of comorbidities in SpA patients. Materials and methods. A six-month retrospective study included 235 SpA patients for whom demographic, disease data and associated comorbidities were collected, according to EULAR’s designated categories. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results. 71% were males, with a mean age of 42.3, suffering from SpA for more than 15 years. 60% patients were overweight or obese, 25% had been diagnosed with hypertension, 28% were smokers. 18% suffered from dyslipidemia and 9% had type II diabetes. 16% had hepatitis B while 2% had C viral infection, 14% had previous mild to moderate urinary or pulmonary infections. Osteoporosis was confirmed in 6% and malignancies in 2.5% cases. Conclusions. The most frequently encountered comorbidities were cardio-vascular events, followed by gastro-intestinal disorders. SpA patients require early comorbidity detection with the aid of their rheumatologist and a multidisciplinary care to avoid additional disease burden.