Abstract
BackgroundAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with onset in young adults, but little is known about the prevalence in older age groups. Furthermore, there is very limited information of health status of elderly patients with AS. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of moderate to severe radiographic sacroiliitis in elderly men and its impact on health.MethodsA cross-sectional, population-based survey, that included 1005 men aged 69-81 years old, with the primary aim to study risk factors for osteoporosis (MrOS), was used. X-rays of the pelvis and spine were done for the whole population and then examined by two readers. The prevalences of grade 3-4 sacroiliitis, syndesmophytes and spondylophytes were ascertained. Using a self-administered questionnaire, information was obtained on physical activity (PASE), functional status (IADL items), health related quality of life - QoL (SF-12) and back pain (pain question, Quebec Pain Disability Scale items).ResultsFourteen cases with grade 3-4 sacroiliitis were identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 1.4% (95%CI: 0.7-2.4). Eight of the patients with sacroiliitis had both AS-typical and degenerative changes in the spine, 4 had only degenerative changes and 2 had only AS-related changes. There were no statistically significant differences between those with and without radiographic sacroiliitis regarding demographics, anthropometric measures, smoking status or health status, reflected by measures on physical activity, functional status, health related QoL and back pain.ConclusionsThe prevalence of moderate to severe radiographic sacroiliitis was estimated to be 1.4% among elderly men in Sweden. Self-reported health was only slightly different in those with sacroiliitis, suggesting that the relative impact of AS is modest in this age group.
Highlights
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with onset in young adults, but little is known about the prevalence in older age groups
Invitations were sent by mail to 2065 men who were living in Malmo and who were randomly selected from the national population registry resulting in an attendance rate of 48.7% [30]
Prevalence Fourteen cases with moderate to severe radiographic sacroiliitis were identified corresponding to a prevalence of 1.4% (95% confidence interval - CI: 0.7-2.4)
Summary
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with onset in young adults, but little is known about the prevalence in older age groups. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of moderate to severe radiographic sacroiliitis in elderly men and its impact on health. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily involving the sacroiliac (SI) joints and the axial skeleton. It is the prototype disease of a large disease family named Spondyloarthrities (SpA) [1]. The hallmark for the diagnosis of AS, according to the modified New York (mNY) criteria has been the detection of sacroiliitis by plain radiographs [3]. Sacroiliitis at least grad 2 bilaterally or grade 3 unilaterally, and simultaneously the presence of either chronic inflammatory back pain, restricted spinal mobility or chest expansion is needed for the diagnosis to be made according to those criteria [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
