Male Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Research Articles

O impacto da obesidade na atividade da doença em pacientes com espondilite anquilosante

Introduction - Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or radiographic ankylosing spondylitis is an axial spondyloarthritis with a male predominance, whose symptoms include low back pain associated with morning stiffness that can progress to ankylosis. Its inflammatory etiology is associated with structural changes, which can influence the clinical condition, functionality and response to treatment. Objective: To study body composition and its influence on the inflammatory parameters of AS according to sex. Method: Sixty-seven patients with AS had lean and fat body mass assessed by bioimpedance and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment. Disease activity was measured by ASDAS PCR and physical function by BASFI. Result: All patients had fat mass above predicted and lean mass below predicted, and the majority had a BMI above normal. There was a positive correlation between BMI and ASDAS PCR only in men, with no correlation in women. Conclusion: Obesity contributed to the increase in inflammatory activity parameters in male AS patients.

Identification of sex-specific biomarkers related to programmed cell death and analysis of immune cells in ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) stands as a persistent inflammatory ailment predominantly impacting the axial skeleton, with the immune system and inflammation intricately entwined in its pathogenesis. This study endeavors to elucidate gender-specific patterns in immune cell infiltration and diverse forms of cell demise within the AS milieu. The aim is to refine the diagnosis and treatment of gender-specific AS patients, thereby advancing patient outcomes. In the pursuit of our investigation, two datasets (GSE25101 and GSE73754) pertinent to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were meticulously collected and normalized from the GEO database. Employing the CIBERSORT algorithm, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of immune cell infiltration across distinct demographic groups and genders. Subsequently, we discerned differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with various cell death modalities in AS patients and their healthy counterparts. Our focus extended specifically to ferroptosis-related DEGs (FRDEGs), cuproptosis-related DEGs (CRDEGs), anoikis-related DEGs (ARDEGs), autophagy-related DEGs (AURDEGs), and pyroptosis-related DEGs (PRDEGs). Further scrutiny involved discerning disparities in these DEGs between AS patients and healthy controls, as well as disparities between male and female patients. Leveraging machine learning (ML) methodologies, we formulated disease prediction models employing cell death-related DEGs (CDRDEGs) and identified biomarkers intertwined with cell death in AS. Relative to healthy controls, a myriad of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to cell death surfaced in AS patients. Among AS patients, 82 FRDEGs, 29 CRDEGs, 54 AURDEGs, 21 ARDEGs, and 74 PRDEGs were identified. In male AS patients, these numbers were 78, 33, 55, 24, and 94, respectively. Female AS patients exhibited 66, 41, 40, 17, and 82 DEGs in the corresponding categories. Additionally, 36 FRDEGs, 14 CRDEGs, 19 AURDEGs, 10 ARDEGs, and 36 PRDEGs exhibited differential expression between male and female AS patients. Employing machine learning techniques, LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE were employed to discern key DEGs related to cell death (CDRDDEGs). The six pivotal CDRDDEGs in AS patients, healthy controls, were identified as CLIC4, BIRC2, MATK, PKN2, SLC25A5, and EDEM1. For male AS patients, the three crucial CDRDDEGs were EDEM1, MAP3K11, and TRIM21, whereas for female AS patients, COX7B, PEX2, and RHEB took precedence. Furthermore, the trio of DDX3X, CAPNS1, and TMSB4Y emerged as the key CDRDDEGs distinguishing between male and female AS patients. In the realm of immune correlation, the immune infiltration abundance in female patients mirrored that of healthy controls. Notably, key genes exhibited a positive correlation with T-cell CD4 memory activation when comparing male and female patient samples. This study engenders a more profound comprehension of the molecular underpinnings governing immune cell infiltration and cell death in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Furthermore, the discernment of gender-specific disparities among AS patients underscores the clinical significance of these findings. By identifying DEGs associated with diverse cell death modalities, this study proffers invaluable insights into potential clinical targets for AS patients, taking cognizance of gender-specific nuances. The identification of gender-specific biological targets lays the groundwork for the development of tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, heralding a pivotal step toward personalized care for AS patients.

IL-17-producing cells in ankylosing spondylitis patients show gender-based differences in gene expression.

Gender has been shown to impact disease expression in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Th17 cells play a key role in AS pathogenesis. To better understand what Th17-associated immune pathways are different between men and women, we compared the transcriptome of IL-17-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in male and female AS patients, with a particular focus on inflammatory cytokine genes. PBMCs were collected from 10 female and 11 male AS patients at the Clinical Research Unit of MetroHealth Medical Center. IL-17-enriched PBMCs were isolated and stimulated with CytoStim. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on the samples, and the data were analysed using iPathwayGuide. Inflammatory markers and genes related to Th17 differentiation and function were identified based on previous studies. RNA-seq identified 12,893 genes with 2,851 genes with p-values <0.05 with distinct patterns of gene expression between male and female AS patients. TGF-β, PGE2, and S100 proteins were significantly upregulated in males. Levels of IL-12B, a Th17 inducer, were lower in males compared to females. Additionally, receptors of IL-6, 12, 23, TGF-β, and PGE2 were downregulated in males, except for IL-17RC, which was upregulated. Genes involved in Th17 differentiation showed differential expression between genders, with elevated expression of BATF, SOCS1, NKD2, and ARID5A in men and decreased expression of FOXO1. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that male AS patients exhibit distinct expression patterns of IL-17 pro-inflammatory genes, which may contribute to the phenotypic differences observed between genders in AS.

A lower frequency of inflammatory back pain in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with female patients.

In routine rheumatology practice, we noticed that a significant number of male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients did not experience inflammatory back pain (IBP). Based on this observation, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of IBP in male AS patients and compare it to that in female patients. Patients with AS who fulfilled the modified New York criteria were subjected to a face-to-face interview with a standardized questionnaire that addressed the IBP components based on the Berlin criteria. The study also included 63 patients with chronic mechanical back pain (MBP). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity, Function, and Metrology Indexes (BASDAI, BASFI, and BASMI) were evaluated in patients with AS. There were 181patients with AS (124 males, mean age 41.2years; 57 females, mean age 44.6years) and 63 patients with MBP (28 males, mean age 47.2years; 35 females, mean age 43.5years). The prevalence of IBP was found to be 87.7% in female and 66.1% in male patients with AS (p = 0.002). The specificity of the criteria was determined to be high both in females (85.7%) and males (89.2%). Female patients with AS had higher BASDAI levels than males (p = 0.048), but no difference was found in BASFI, BASMI, or serum CRP levels between genders. A considerable proportion of male patients with AS did not experience IBP, although they had similar CRP levels compared with females.

Costovertebral and costotransverse joint involvement in spondyloarthritis.

Costovertebral (CV), costotransverse (CTr), sternoclavicular (SC), and manubriosternal (MS) joints are impacted in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients; however, clinical aspects of these involvements require additional evaluation. A total of 281 SpA patients who had undergone chest computed tomography (CT) for any reason between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. SpA patients were divided into three groups, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial SpA, and psoriatic arthritis. Thirty age- and sex-matched rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 30 non-rheumatic disease individuals were selected for comparison. An experienced radiologist reviewed 24 CV, 20 CTr, 2 SC, and 1 MS joints from a thorax CT for each patient. All joints were classified as: normal (0); suspicious (1), mild (2), moderate (3), or severe (4). Total CV and CTr joint scores differed between diseases (p < .001). Male AS patients had higher CV and CTr scores than female AS patients (male CV score: 52 [range 0-96] and CTr score: 22 [range 0-80]; female CV score: 20 [range 0-96] and CTr score: 12 [range 0-79]). Strong negative correlations were detected in AS patients between chest expansion and CV (r = -0.703 p = .007) and CTr (r = -0.763 p = .002) joint involvement; positive correlations between CV and CTr joints, and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (p < .05); and no significant association for MS and SC joints. CV and CTr joint involvement on thorax CT was more severe in AS and negatively affected chest expansion. The use of thorax CT scans performed for other indications in the examination of these joints may be advantageous for the early beginning of rehabilitation programs targeted at maintaining chest mobility.

Analysis of the outcome of bi-vertebral transpedicular wedge osteotomy for correcting severe kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis.

To study the outcomes of bi-vertebral transpedicular wedge osteotomy in correcting severe kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This retrospective study focused on all the patients who underwent thoracic and lumbar bi-vertebra transpedicular wedge osteotomy with pedicle screw internal fixation to treat their severe thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity of AS in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2020. The perioperative and operative data of each patient were collected and analyzed. A total of 21 male AS patients with severe kyphotic deformity were studied with a mean age of 42.2 ± 9.2 years. Intraoperatively, the mean operating time is 5.8 ± 1.6 hour with a mean blood loss of 725.5 ± 140.6 mL. The average postoperative correction of kyphosis reached 60.8o at 1 week after the surgery, which is significantly improved from preoperative presentation (P < .05), and stayed no significant change over the time during longer period of follow-ups (12-24 months) with the overall correction rate of 72.2%. Moreover, the postoperative changes in thoracic kyphosis (TK) angle, thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) angle, lumbar lordosis (LL) angle, maxilla-brow angle, as well as C2SVA and C7SVA sagittal balance were also significant, all of which enabled the patients to walk in upright position and sleep in the supine position with the improvements in other clinical symptoms. Bi-vertebral transpedicular wedge osteotomy of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is a safe and effective method to restore the physiological curvature of the sagittal position of the spine and correct severe ankylosing deformity.

Current health resources required for the management of ankylosing spondylitis in developing areas of China.

Current health resources required for the management of ankylosing spondylitis in developing areas of China.

All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic inflammatory diseases associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic comorbidities compared to the general population. Individual studies examining mortality in these patients have produced conflicting results. The present study was undertaken to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the all-cause and cause-specific mortality in PsA and AS from the available literature. A comprehensive database search was performed for studies reporting all-cause or cause-specific mortality in patients with PsA and AS compared with the general population. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. We included 19 studies (11 of PsA, 7 of AS, 1 of both). In PsA studies, there was no increased mortality compared to the general population (RR 1.12 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.96-1.30]; n=10 studies). We found a higher all-cause mortality in female (RR 1.19 [95% CI 1.04-1.36]) but not in male (RR 1.02 [95% CI 0.66-1.59]) PsA patients. Cardiovascular-, respiratory-, and infection-specific mortality risks were significantly higher for PsA patients (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.06-1.38], RR 3.37 [95% CI 1.30-8.72], and RR 2.43 [95% CI 1.01-5.84], respectively), but not cancer-related mortality (RR 1.01 [95% CI 0.91-1.11]). In AS, we found a higher risk of death from all causes (RR 1.64 [95% CI 1.49-1.80]; n=6 studies) and cardiovascular causes (RR 1.35 [95% CI 1.01-1.81]; n=3 studies) compared to the general population. All-cause mortality was high in both male (RR 1.56 [95% CI 1.43-1.71]) and female (RR 1.85 [95% CI 1.56-2.18]) AS patients. The included AS studies did not report mortality data for non-cardiovascular causes. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a significantly increased risk of overall mortality in AS but not PsA. Cardiovascular-specific mortality was higher for both PsA and AS, which emphasizes the importance of early screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors.

JAK-STAT signaling pathway-related gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis in eastern Chinese Han population.

A case-control study was utilized to investigate the relationship between genetic variation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway-related genes and the susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Fifteen SNPs in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway-related genes from 660 AS patients and 646 healthy controls were genotyped using iMLDR technology (JAK1: rs2230587, rs2230588, rs2780815, rs310241; JAK2: rs2274472, rs2230722, rs2230724, rs10758669; STAT1: rs10199181, rs1547550, rs2066802, rs45463799, rs6718902; STAT3: rs3744483; STAT5A: rs1135669). Allele analysis revealed that the T allele of STAT1 rs6718902 was a protective agent for male AS patients (OR = 0.765, 95% CI = 0.644-0.909). Inheritance models showed that GG + CG as well as GG genotypes of STAT1 rs1547550 had a significant risk of developing AS in males (OR = 5.374, 95%CI = 2.505-11.526; OR = 5.186, 95%CI = 2.412-11.153). The TT + CT and TT genotypes at STAT1 rs6718902 were observed to be associated with a significantly decreased risk of AS compared to CC genotypes among male patients and male controls (OR = 0.637, 95%CI = 0.485-0.837; OR = 0.597, 95%CI = 0.422-0.845). Furthermore, the genotypes of JAK1 gene rs2230588, rs2780815, and rs310241 were correlated with the severity of clinical conditions in female AS patients, while the JAK2 rs2230724 genotypes may affect disease ability in male AS patients. These findings indicated that JAK-STAT signaling pathway-related gene single nucleotide polymorphisms may be associated with AS susceptibility in eastern Chinese Han population. Key Points • The T allele of rs6718902 on the STAT1 gene may be a protective agent for male AS patients. • STAT1 rs1547550 GG + CG and GG genotypes were observed to be connected with a risk of male AS patients. However, STAT1 rs6718902 TT + CT and TT genotypes reduced the susceptibility risk of male AS patients compared to wild-type CC. • The JAK1 genes rs2230588, rs2780815, and rs310241 may affect disease functional status in female AS patients, while the JAK2 rs2230724 genotype was related to disease activity in male AS patients.

Trabecular bone score value in young men with ankylosing spondylitis

Aim – to investigate relationship of trabecular bone score (TBS) with activity and structural progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in males younger than 50 years old without osteoporosis.Materials and methods. 26 male AS patients took part in the investigation. AS activity was evaluated by BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP indices, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein level. Structural AS progression was evaluated by sacroiliitis (SI). TBS was evaluated using the double-energy X-ray absoptiometry. Correlation between clinical measures and TBS was obtained using the Spearman r-criterion for quantitative variables and Kendall’s τ coefficientfor qualitative variables.Results. There was obtained no correlation between AS activity and TBS. Among clinical characteristics, SI stage was negatively correlated with TBS (τ=–0.313; p&lt;0.05). Conclusion. TBS is associated with the severity of sacroiliitis in young AS male patients. Key words: ankylosing spondylitis, trabecular bone score, structural progression&gt;˂ 0.05).Conclusion. TBS is associated with the severity of sacroiliitis in young AS male patients.

Total hip arthroplasty in ankylosing spondylitis in young patients: A prospective study

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic seronegative inflammatory arthritis of unknown etiology characterized by inflammation of joints of the axial skeleton. It primarily affect the spine and pelvis but peripheral arthritis and enthesitis are common features. The mean age of onset of symptoms is between 15 to 25 years and it is more common in males. Severe disability and functional impairment can result rapidly due to a combination of axial spine and hip involvement. When painful degenerative changes occur, Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) has been shown to alleviate pain and improve function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, radiological and functional outcome of uncemented THA in young patients of ankylosing spondylitis.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 12 male patients of ankylosing spondylitis all aged above 25 years. Uncemented THA was done in all 12 cases of AS. The study was conducted for a period of 12 months and cases were followed up for a period of 6 months. Functional outcome of hip were evaluated using Harris Hip Score (HHS) at regular intervals.Results: 12 young male AS patients were selected for the study and average age of surgery is 36 years. The final functional outcome of hip on the basis of Harris Hip Score(HHS) were 8(67%) patients good result, 3(25%) patients excellent result and 1(8%) patient have shown fair result. Radiological outcome was passed on the basis of Anterior-posterior (AP) radiograph taken immediate postoperatively and then at 1,2,3,6 months. Radiological outcome was satisfactory except in 3 cases where heterotrophic ossification were noticed in AP radiograph later after 6 months of surgery.Conclusion: This study concludes that uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in young patients done for ankylosing spondylitis provide substantial clinical and functional outcome in patients function. The improvement of in functional outcome and quality of life and postoperative reduction of pain have justified the need of THA in these stiff hips in AS.

Malignancy in ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional analysis of a large population database

BackgroundIncreased cancer-risk has been reported with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, but the risk is poorly studied in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Conflicting data in AS have been reported in Asia and Europe, with lack of US population-based studies. Our objective is to study the prevalence of cancer in patients with AS in the US.MethodsUsing the Explorys database, we performed a cross-sectional study. Data from AS patients and controls were stratified by 2 rheumatology visits, age groups, clinical characteristics, and frequency of cancers. The data were analyzed using a series of chi-square tests of independence as well as logistic regression to test for association between AS and cancer.Results1410 AS patients (12.88%) had cancer. Female AS patients had a lower prevalence of cancer compared to controls (OR 0.840, 95% CI [0.769, 0.916]), while male AS patients had no statistically significant difference (OR 1.011, 95% CI [0.929, 1.099]). Among patients with AS, Skin cancers (squamous cell, malignant melanoma, and basal cell) and head and neck cancers were significantly increased.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the prevalence of “any-type-cancer” was not increased in AS patients compared to controls with no rheumatic disease. Skin, head, and neck cancers were more frequently seen in AS patients.

Increased proportions of inflammatory T cells and their correlations with cytokines and clinical parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis from northern Sweden.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease affecting parts of the skeletal structure in particular. Previously increased levels of the inflammatory cell types Th17, Th22, Tc17 and Tc22 cells have been shown to be associated with AS. Here, we analysed the levels of inflammatory T cell subsets, related cytokines and clinical characteristics of AS patients vs controls from northern Sweden. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 50 AS patients and 50 matched controls were short term stimulated with PMA/Ionomycin, stained and analysed by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of Interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐22, IL‐10 as well as clinically relevant markers were determined. Compared to male controls, male AS patients showed 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increases of Th17 (P = .013), Th22 (P = .003) and Tc22 (P = .024) among CD45+CD3+ lymphocytes. Plasma IL‐22 levels correlated with the Tc17 proportion in male patients (Rs = 0.499, P = .003) and plasma IL‐10 levels were inversely correlated with Tc17 among all patients (Rs = −0.276, P = .05). Male patients with syndesmophytes showed significantly higher Th17 proportions (P = .038). In female AS patients, Tc22 was negatively correlated with C‐reactive protein (high sensitivity) (hsCRP) (Rs = −0.573, P = .016). We confirmed increased proportions of inflammatory T cells and correlations with relevant cytokines from male AS patients. The correlation between Th17 and syndesmophytes supports a role of Th17 in the pathogenic process.

RAB5C, SYNJ1, and RNF19B promote male ankylosing spondylitis by regulating immune cell infiltration.

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the key genes related to male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to analyze the role of immune cell infiltration in the pathological process of this disease.MethodsThe AS dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public database, and the data of male healthy controls (M_HC) and male AS patients (M_AS) were extracted. R software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional and pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the hub genes were screened out. All expression profile data were analyzed by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to screen out the hub genes, which were then intersected with the hub genes from the PPI network to obtain the key genes. Finally, the difference in immune cell infiltration in the two sets of samples was evaluated with CIBERSORT, and the correlation between the key genes and infiltrating immune cells was analyzed.ResultsA total of 689 DEGs were obtained, of which 395 genes were up-regulated and 294 genes were down-regulated. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to immune response. Based on the PPI analysis, five clusters with high scores were selected. Through WGCNA, 14 gene modules were obtained. The green module with the highest correlation was selected and intersected with the cluster previously obtained to obtain three key genes, RAB5C, SYNJ1, and RNF19B. Immune infiltration analysis found that monocytes and gamma delta T cells may be involved in the process of AS. Also, RAB5C, SYNJ1, and RNF19B are all related to increased levels of monocytes and macrophages.ConclusionsRAB5C, SYNJ1, and RNF19B are key DEGs expressed in M_AS and may play a role in the disease’s occurrence and development through regulating immune cell functions.

Potential Role of Yoga in the Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Retrospective Study.

Background:Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory spondyloarthropathy with unclear pathogenesis. The inflammatory pain in AS leads to restricted spinal mobility and significant disability. Yoga is a nonpharmacological intervention that has positive effects on various musculoskeletal-related problems. However, its role in AS is unknown.Objective:The present retrospective study assessed the efficacy of a two-week residential yoga intervention on spinal flexibility among AS patients.Methods:The records for 24 male AS patients within the age range 30 to 50 years (average age 38.3 ± 10.5 years) who underwent a two-week residential yoga retreat between 2015 and 2020 were obtained from a yoga center located in South India. Yoga intervention consisted of yoga postures, breathing practices, meditation, a healthy diet, and devotional sessions. Pre and Post data of the sit-and-reach test, blood pressure, heart rate, and symptom score were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Results:Compared to the baseline, the post scores of the sit-and-reach test, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were found to be significantly (P < .05) lower. The symptom score and analgesic medication score also showed significant improvement after two-weeks compared to the baseline.Conclusion:This retrospective study indicates the positive impact of on and analgesic use among AS patients. However, additional studies using robust research designs are warranted.

Bone mineral density in ankylosing spondylitis: Relation to disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility and radiological damage

Aim of the workTo assess the bone mineral density (BMD) in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients and to investigate its relation to disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility and radiological damage. Patients and methodsThirty male AS patients (mean age 27.9 ± 6.2 and disease duration 4.2 ± 3.6 years) and thirty age-matched healthy controls were studied. Patients were assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) and the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) to quantify radiological damage. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed by Dual Energy X ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). ResultsPatients had a lower BMD of the lumbar spine (1.13 ± 0.14 versus 1.22 ± 0.09 g/cm2, p = 0.007) and femoral neck (0.89 ± 0.1 versus 1.05 ± 0.13 g/cm2, p = 0.001) than controls. BMD of the lumbar spine was negatively correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI and mSASSS (r = -0.6,-0.4, −0.5, −0.4, −0.5, −0.6; p = 0.001, 0.003, 0.01, 0.01, 0.004, 0.001, respectively) while BMD of the femoral neck was correlated negatively with the ESR,CRP, mSASSS (r = -0.5,-0.4,-0.5, p = 0.001, 0.004, 0.01) and positively with the modified Schöber test (r = 0.41, p = 0.02). On multiple regression analysis, the modified Schöber test, ESR and CRP were independent predictors of the BMD of the femoral neck (β = 0.45,-1.12, 0.58; p = 0.048, 0.02, 0.03, respectively). ConclusionBMD is reduced in AS patients and correlates with disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility and radiological damage.

The usefulness of trabecular bone score in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Backgrounds/AimsThis study was performed to reveal the usefulness of the trabecular bone score (TBS) in assessing bone strength in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in comparison with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) methods.MethodsA total of 215 AS patients (75.8% male) were enrolled from a single university hospital in Korea. Demographic and clinical information were assessed. Patients completed X-rays of the cervical and lumbar spine (L-spine), and spinal ankyloses were quantified using the modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS). Hip, anteroposterior and lateral L-spine bone mineral density (BMD) and TBS were assessed by DXA methods. Clinical characteristics and bone strength measurement results were compared between male and female AS patients. The accuracy of each bone strength evaluation method in predicting Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) scores indicating moderate or higher fracture risk was compared by receiver operating characteristic curves in patients aged ≥ 40 years. Correlations between each bone strength measurement method and mSASSS were examined.ResultsMale patients showed higher mSASSS and less prevalent peripheral joint involvement compared to female patients (p < 0.05). TBS, hip BMD, and L-spine lateral BMD showed comparably high areas under the curve (AUCs) for predicting FRAX-major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) ≥ 10% (AUC ranged 0.72 to 0.76). TBS negatively correlated with mSASSS in both male and female patients (p < 0.01).ConclusionsTBS could predict the risk of MOF and is not influenced by spinal osteoproliferation in AS patients, even in those with advanced spinal changes.

Pregnancy outcomes in partners of male ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor-α biologics: real-life results from a single-centre cross-sectional study.

Most patients with inflammatory arthritis are at their reproductive ages. Use of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents, one of the important treatment options for inflammatory arthritis, can cause foetal morbidity and mortality. While most studies on the effects of anti-TNF-α agents on pregnancy outcomes are about maternal exposure, the number of studies on the risks related to paternal exposure is insufficient. This study aimed to assess pregnancy periods and outcomes of the partners of male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving anti-TNF-α treatment during the preconception period. Totally, 163 male AS patients using anti-TNF-α agents were identified from the Hacettepe University Biological Registry. Of these patients, 45 (27.6%) who declared that their partners got pregnant after initiation on anti-TNF-α agents were included. Data regarding demographics and drug exposure and pregnancy and infant outcomes were evaluated. Of 45 pregnancies, 39 (86.7%) resulted in healthy live births, 3 (6.7%) resulted in spontaneous abortion, and 3 (6.7%) were terminated with curettage. Of 39 live births, 34 (87.2%) were term and 5 (12.8%) were preterm, 30 (76.9%) had normal birth weight, 6 (15.4%) had low birth weight, and 3 (7.7%) had fetal macrosomia. No congenital malformations related to paternal exposure were observed. This study is valuable as being one of the studies providing pregnancy outcomes of partners of male AS patients receiving anti-TNF-α agents with its relatively high number of patients. The results suggested that paternal exposure to anti-TNF-α agents during preconception period could be safe on pregnancy outcomes.

Serum Uric Acid Shows Inverted "U" Type Correlation with Osteoporosis in Chinese Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BackgroundThis study was to investigate the correlation between osteoporosis and serum uric acid in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and to further identify potential factors that might be associated with osteoporosis in AS patients.Material/MethodsWe included 182 AS patients, consisted of 143 male patients and 39 female patients, who visited our hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure bone mineral density (BMD) of orthotopic lumbar vertebrae in patients with AS. The gender, age, disease duration, BMD, T-score, Z-score, uric acid, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood platelet (PLT), and status of treatment with biologics of the patients were collected. Then, the Spearman correlation coefficient and multivariate liner regression analysis were applied to identify the relationship between the factors and BMD, T-score, and Z-score in AS patients.ResultsMale AS patients between the ages of 16 and 30 years old had a higher risk of osteoporosis (P<0.05). AS patients with uric acid value between 300–360 μmol/L had the highest BMD, T-score, and Z-score. The BMD had a positive correlation with age and disease duration (P<0.01) while had a negative correlation with PLT (P<0.05). BMD in AS patients with elevated ESR was significantly (P<0.05) lower than in AS patients with normal ESR. There were no significant differences in BMD between AS patients with elevated CRP and the patients with normal CRP and PLT. Treatment with TNFi (tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor) did not improve BMD in AS patients.ConclusionsThe relationship between uric acid and BMD in AS patients was observed as inverted “U”-type. Keeping uric acid within 300–360 μmol/L might be helpful in preventing AS patients from developing osteoporosis.

Trends in diagnostic prevalence and treatment patterns of male and female ankylosing spondylitis patients in the United States, 2006\u20132016

BackgroundThere has been much variation between epidemiological studies that report the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic prevalence rates and treatment patterns of male and female AS patients in the United States adult insured population from 2006 to 2016.MethodsTrends in AS prevalence were calculated for the 11-year period covering January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Adult (18+ years old) AS patients were included in this retrospective analysis of medical and pharmacy claims data from the IBM Marketscan Commercial, Medicaid and Medicare-Supplemental Claims database. Prevalence was determined as having ≥1 AS diagnostic codes (ICD-9:720.0; ICD-10:M45.x). Trends in treatment patterns were also analyzed and stratified by gender.ResultsThe AS prevalence increased from 0.04 to 0.09% from 2006 to 2016. The mean age between 2006 and 2016 ranged from 49.52–50.00 years. In 2006, approximately 40% of AS patients were female, while in 2016 over 47% of AS patients were female. Rates of use of TNF inhibitors and oral glucocorticoids increased, while NSAIDs and non-biologic DMARDs (sulfasalazine & methotrexate) rates decreased. Opioid use rates were stable. In 2016, males were more likely to be prescribed biologics, while females were more likely to be prescribed methotrexate, sulfasalazine, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, opioids, and glucocorticoids.ConclusionsThe prevalence of AS diagnosis codes more than doubled between 2006 and 2016, but the very low prevalence suggests that AS continues to be underdiagnosed and under-addressed in routine clinical practice. Despite the increase in female AS patients, females were less likely to be prescribed biologics compared to male AS patients.