Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis Research Articles

Diagnosis by consensus: A case study in the importance of interdisciplinary interpretation of mummified remains

ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to demonstrate the need for interdisciplinary consensus and inclusion of mummy radiology specialists in analyses of mummified remains. MaterialsThis study uses paleoimaging data for an ancient Egyptian mummy at the Museum of Human Anatomy “Filippo Civinini”. MethodsThis study demonstrates the benefit of evaluation of mummified remains in a multi-disciplinary interpretive team. ResultsThe authors propose a diagnosis of DISH, additional signs of undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, and lumbarisation of S1. ConclusionsThe process of diagnosis by consensus is essential to the analysis of mummified remains, which are complexly altered through natural and anthropogenic processes in the millennia subsequent to the individual’s death. SignificanceMummy paleoimaging and paleopathology lacks a unifying set of standards. We present an example of the value to be found in the multi-disciplinary diagnosis by consensus approach. LimitationsWe discuss numerous challenges to accurate and meaningful interpretation that radiography of mummified remains pose. Suggestions for Further ResearchWhile the authors do not seek to impose any single set of standards, we do recommend a larger discussion on the topic of (culture-specific) standardisation in mummy paleoimaging and paleopathology. We further recommend the development of an international, multi-disciplinary panel of paleoimaging interpreters.

Differential diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis-axSpA mimics

The classification of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises the classical ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is characterized by already existing structural changes in the sacroiliac joints, and the so-called non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA), in which by definition such changes are not present. This distinction is based on the ASAS classification criteria for axSpA, which are however not suitable for a diagnosis. According to the current classification, spondyloarthritis (SpA) includes axSpA, which can be associated with psoriasis and/or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (CED), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and peripheral SpA, which is further divided into SpA associated with psoriasis, partially synonymous with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), reactive SpA, partially synonymous with reactive arthritis (ReA) and SpA associated with CED, partially synonymous with arthritis associated with CED (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and peripheral undifferentiated SpA, which by definition is not associated with any of the above. In this article only the most important differential diagnoses are discussed, i. e. diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), fractures and infections in the axial skeleton. In addition, the frequency of certain musculoskeletal findings in the normal population examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also discussed.

IL-17 in the immunopathogenesis of spondyloarthritis.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a term that refers to a group of inflammatory diseases that includes psoriatic arthritis, axial SpA and nonradiographic axial SpA, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis and undifferentiated SpA. The disease subtypes share clinical and immunological features, including joint inflammation (peripheral and axial skeleton); skin, gut and eye manifestations; and the absence of diagnostic autoantibodies (seronegative). The diseases also share genetic factors. The aetiology of SpA is still the subject of research by many groups worldwide. Evidence from genetic, experimental and clinical studies has accumulated to indicate a clear role for the IL-17 pathway in the pathogenesis of SpA. The IL-17 family consists of IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E and IL-17F, of which IL-17A is the best studied. IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that also has the capacity to promote angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Of the six family members, IL-17A has the strongest homology with IL-17F. In this Review, we discuss how IL-17A and IL-17F and their cellular sources might contribute to the immunopathology of SpA.

Advances in the treatment of uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis - is it the time for biologic therapy?

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a heterogeneous group of diseases that includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), reactive arthritis (ReA), inflammatory bowel disease-associated spondyloarthritis (IBD-SpA), and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (unSpA). This group of diseases shares several clinical, imaging, and genetic features; the integration of these diseases in the group of SpA is needed for an early diagnosis and a prompt treatment. Uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of SpA. HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis (AAU) is the most frequent form of uveitis encountered in the SpA group. The general prevalence of HLA-B27-associated AAU in the group of SpA is about 30% and the general prevalence of SpA in patients with HLA-B27-associated AAU is over 50%. There are several differences in the clinical picture and evolution of HLA-B27-associated AAU in patients with SpA and knowing this is very important for the best therapeutic decision. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a very important mediator not only in the pathogenic mechanisms of SpA, but also in the immune reactions that characterize HLA-B27-associated AAU in SpA. There is much evidence of the role of TNFα in SpA and HLA-B27-associated AAU, multiple studies showing efficacy of anti-TNFα drugs not only on rheumatic manifestations but also on ocular involvement. Conventional therapy of HLA-B27-associated AAU with local or systemic glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs (sulfasalazine, methotrexate, azathioprine, etc.) in order to diminish the ocular inflammation is associated with many side effects, some of them being very severe and even life threatening. Therefore, new treatments, especially biologic therapy with anti-TNFα drugs, open a new opportunity for the treatment of these patients. It is very important to emphasize that antibody anti-TNFα agents (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab) may be more efficient than soluble receptors of TNFα (etanercept) in decreasing the risk of HLA-B27-associated AAU in patients with SpA. The aim of this review made by a group of ophthalmologists and rheumatologists with recent and fruitful experience regarding the anti-TNF treatment of uveitis in patients with SpA is to make the community of ophthalmologists aware of this biologic therapy and that it is the right time to use it. Abbreviations: AU = anterior uveitis; AAU = acute anterior uveitis; AS = ankylosing spondylitis; ASAS = Assessment of SpondyloArthritis Society; DBP = vitamin D binding protein; ESSG = European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group; HLA-B27 = human leukocyte antigen B27; IBD = inflammatory bowel disease; PsA = psoriatic arthritis; ReA = reactive arthritis; SpA = spondyloarthritis; TLRs = Toll-like receptors; TNFα = tumor necrosis factor α; unSpA = undifferentiated spondyloarthritis.

Relationship of HS CRP and Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation in Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis.

ObjectiveElevation of serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level has been demonstrated as a risk factor for varying diseases, as well as a biomarker for predicting recovery after operation of lumber disc herniation. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between serum hs-CRP and sacroiliac (SI) joint inflammation in patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA).MethodsIn this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with uSpA who underwent hs-CRP testing between January 2007 and September 2013. Serum hs-CRP was analyzed at our central laboratory. All enrolled patients underwent skeletal scintigraphic scan with quantitative sacroiliac measurement.ResultsA total of 29 patients were enrolled with mean age 32.27 years and female:male ratio of 6:23. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significant difference between hs-CRP in serum and SI/S ratio in uSpA, particularly the middle part of the sacroiliac joint, either right side or left side. The significantly high concentration of serum hs-CRP might indicate a systemic inflammatory response to flare-up of the SI joint and might be an indicator of SI inflammation in uSpA.

Prevalence of chronic widespread pain in a population-based cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis \u2013 a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic pain, regional or widespread, is a frequent and multidimensional symptom in arthritis. There is still limited information on chronic pain in spondyloarthritis, which is important to recognize for adequate diagnosis and treatment. Our objective was to study differences in prevalence of chronic widespread pain in two spondyloarthritis subgroups: ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA).MethodsA population-based postal survey involving questions on the duration, distribution, and intensity of pain was answered by 940 patients with AS (ICD-10 M45.9) or USpA (ICD-10 M46.1-0, M46.8-9). The patients were categorized as having chronic widespread pain, chronic regional pain, or no chronic pain, and prevalence estimates for the pain groups were calculated, including age- and sex-adjusted prevalence.ResultsThe prevalence of chronic widespread pain was 45.3% in AS vs. 49.3% in USpA, and that of chronic regional pain was 17.7% vs. 21.9% (p = 0.033). More women than men reported having chronic widespread pain (54.1% vs. 41.2%, p ≤ 0.001), while the sex distribution for chronic regional pain was equal. Reports of pain intensity were equal in AS and USpA, with no significant difference in pain intensity between women and men who had chronic regional pain or chronic widespread pain. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, chronic widespread pain was associated to female sex, being an ever-smoker, and having a higher body mass index, controlled for SpA subgroup and disease duration.ConclusionsThe prevalence of chronic widespread pain in patients with AS and USpA is high, and with a female predominance, but with no difference in pain intensity between women and men. Chronic pain can complicate the clinical evaluation in patients with SpA, and highlights the need for a thorough clinical examination, including evaluation of inflammation and an accurate pain analysis, to individualize non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment decisions.

Imaging to Differentiate the Various Forms of Seronegative Arthritis.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of diseases characterized by back pain, spinal inflammation, human leukocyte antigen-B27 positivity, and peripheral findings such as dactylitis, enthesitis, and uveitis. It includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and undifferentiated SpA. The role of imaging in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with SpA has become dramatically more important with the introduction of new therapies such as tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Although in many instances differentiating between the SpA entities is straightforward based on the clinical presentation, often such differentiation remains challenging, and categorization of an individual patient into a subset of SpA can be difficult. Imaging, mainly radiography and magnetic resonance imaging, serves as an important diagnostic tool. Diseases in the spondyloarthritis complex share common presentation but at the same time may have distinct radiographic phenotypes. We present these common and distinct imaging manifestations that may potentially help distinguish between the entities in the diagnostic work-up.

Comparative Analysis and Predictors of 10-year Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors Drug Survival in Patients with Spondyloarthritis: First-year Response Predicts Longterm Drug Persistence

To evaluate the 10-year drug survival of the first tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) administered to patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) overall and comparatively between SpA subsets, and to identify predictors of drug retention. Patients with SpA in the Hellenic Registry of Biologic Therapies, a prospective multicenter observational cohort, starting their first TNFi between 2004-2014 were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used. Overall, 404 out of 1077 patients (37.5%) discontinued treatment (followup: 4288 patient-yrs). Ten-year drug survival was 49%. In the unadjusted analyses, higher TNFi survival was observed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to undifferentiated SpA and psoriatic arthritis [PsA; significant beyond the first 2.5 (p = 0.003) years and 7 years (p < 0.001), respectively], and in patients treated for isolated axial versus peripheral arthritis (p = 0.001). In all multivariable analyses, male sex was a predictor for longer TNFi survival. Use of methotrexate (MTX) was a predictor in PsA and in patients with peripheral arthritis. Absence of peripheral arthritis and use of a monoclonal antibody (as opposed to non-antibody TNFi) independently predicted longer TNFi survival in axial disease because of lower rates of inefficacy. Achievement of major responses during the first year in either axial or peripheral arthritis was the strongest predictor of longer therapy retention (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.26-0.41 for Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score inactive disease, and HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.24-0.50 for 28-joint Disease Activity Score remission). The longterm retention of the first TNFi administered to patients with SpA is high, especially for males with axial disease. The strongest predictor of longterm TNFi survival is a major response within the first year of treatment.

The educational needs of patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis: Validation of the ENAT questionnaire and needs assessment.

The aim of the present study was to validate the Swedish version of the educational needs assessment tool (SwENAT) in undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA) and use it to study the educational needs of patients with USpA. This was a cross-sectional study, recruiting a random sample of patients with USpA from a hospital register in Sweden. Educational needs data were collected, together with disease activity and function indices (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI]). Rasch analysis was utilized to evaluate the construct validity, internal consistency and unidimensionality of the SwENAT before studying differences in educational needs between patient subgroups (gender, age and disease severity). Complete responses were obtained from 77 patients (48 women), with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 50 (12) years, a disease duration of 16 (11) years, a BASDAI score of 4.9 (1.9) and a BASFI score of 3.1 (2.3). The SwENAT satisfied the requirements of the Rasch model (χ2 = 11.488; p = 0.119), including strict unidimensionality. Overall, the mean (SD) SwENAT score was 86 (32). Women reported higher needs than men in the domains of pain (mean [SD] 13.1 [6.8] versus 10.1 [6.0]; p = 0.05); movement (mean [SD] 13.0 [5.5] versus 9.9 [5.7]; p = 0.02) and self-help (mean [SD] 17.0 [5.8] versus 14.1 [5.0]; p = 0.03). Higher disease activity (BASDAI >4) was associated with higher educational needs (mean [SD] 92.6 [31.9] versus 73.7 [29.4]; p = 0.02). These data suggest that the SwENAT is valid in USpA. Women and patients with higher disease activity are more likely to have high levels of educational needs, so special attention and strategies to target patient education are warranted.

Huge Aortic False Aneurysm in a Patient with Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy

Huge Aortic False Aneurysm in a Patient with Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy

Effect of CD4 T-lymphocyte count and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection stage on the prevalence and pattern of rheumatologic disease in HIV-infected patients in Zaria, North-Western Nigeria

Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a scourge of the modern time. Occurring with high frequency in patients of all ages and both genders, and across all strata of the society, HIV being a systemic disease can affect the musculoskeletal system, and therefore, musculoskeletal disease maybe a presenting symptom of HIV infection. There is paucity of research on the effect of different stages of HIV and CD4 T-lymphocyte count on HIV rheumatological manifestations among Nigerian patients. This study aims at evaluating the effect of CD4 T-lymphocyte count and the stages of HIV on the prevalence and pattern of rheumatological disease in Nigerian patients with HIV infection. Objective To determine the effect of CD4 T-lymphocyte count and HIV stage on the occurrence and pattern of rheumatologic diseases among patients attending HIV clinic at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Materials and Methods Between February 2011 and March 2012, 200 HIV-seropositive patients [consisting of 100 patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and 100 cART naive patients] and 200 age and gender-matched HIV-negative controls were screened for the presence of rheumatologic disease, using a validated interviewer administered questionnaire. Information gathered on patients included sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors for HIV infection, clinical and laboratory parameters. CD4 T-lymphocyte of HIV patients and controls were quantified using flow cytometry method. CD4 categorization of patients was performed using the Centre for Disease Control Criteria, and HIV staging was done using World Health Organization criteria. Those with rheumatologic diseases were diagnosed using the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria or, where not available, other well validated rheumatological classification criteria. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences window software version 17.0. A P value of Results Rheumatological disease was diagnosed in 56 (28%) of HIV-positive patients and 15 (7.5%) of HIV-negative control. The odd ratio for occurrence of rheumatologic disease in HIV-positive patients compared to control was 4.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.61–8.82, P = 0.001]. In 3% of HIV infected patients, rheumatologic disease was the reason for their 1st presentation. The spectrum of rheumatic disease seen in HIV-positive patients is as follows: HIV-associated polyarthritis in 13 (16.5%) patients, polyarthralgia in 10 (5%) patients, undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy and reactive arthritis in nine (4.5%) patients each, septic arthritis in five (2.5%), and Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine and pyomyositis in three (1.5%) patients each. CD4 T-lymphocyte count and HIV stages were independent determinants of HIV-associated rheumatologic disease. Conclusion Rheumatologic diseases occur more frequently in HIV-seropositive patients compared to HIV-negative controls, and low CD4 T-lymphocyte counts and advanced HIV stage are associated with higher prevalence of rheumatologic diseases.

Risk of cardiac rhythm disturbances and aortic regurgitation in different spondyloarthritis subtypes in comparison with general population: a register-based study from Sweden

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence of atrioventricular (AV) block II–III, atrial fibrillation (AF), pacemaker implantation (PM) and aortic regurgitation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA) and psoriatic arthritis...

Uveitis and spondyloarthropathies.

Uveitis is a frequently occurring extra-articular manifestation of spondyloarthropathies (SpAs), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis (ReA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), occurring in both adults and children with SpA. Uveitis occurs with varying frequency according to the SpA subtype (33% in AS, 6-9% in PsA, 25% in ReA, 13% in undifferentiated SpA and 2-5% in IBD), the presence of HLA-B27 and with increasing duration of disease. The majority of cases of uveitis in SpA are attributed to acute anterior uveitis but a minority of uveitis cases occur in the posterior segment of the eye. The latter are more frequently complicated by cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and sight loss. The nature of the tissue specificity exhibited by the SpAs is poorly understood. Three current investigational approaches are discussed: high-throughput genomics to identify and confirm uveitis-specific susceptibility alleles; investigation of the role of the intestinal microbiome and its potential role in innate immune signalling in uveitis; and study of a novel IL23R-bearing cell population in several entheseal sites including the eye. The treatment for uveitis in SpAs is predominantly with topical corticosteroids for acute episodes. Among the systemic drugs used for the treatment of SpAs, infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab are effective in reducing the frequency of uveitis but etanercept is not. Other targets in spondyloarthropathy include cytokines within the IL23/IL17 axis, of which the IL17A inhibitor secukinumab has not been shown to be effective in uveitis. Future therapeutic approaches may include small molecules such as selective and non-selective janus kinase and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

NICE guidance on spondyloarthritis: diagnosis and management – improving recognition and referral by physiotherapists

Purpose: Physiotherapists are key to earlier diagnosis of people with spondyloarthritis and have an essential role in screening for these inflammatory conditions, which include axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)/ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), reactive arthritis (ReA), enteropathic SpA (associated with inflammatory bowel disease), and undifferentiated SpA.

Is undifferentiated spondyloarthritis a discrete entity? A debate.

The concept of undifferentiated spondyloarthritis has been introduced recently to describe a clinical setting where the classical features of spondyloarthritis (SpA) are not fully present. Whether this is a discrete entity was the basis of a debate during the 4th International Congress on Controversies in Rheumatology & Autoimmunity held in Bologna, Italy 9-11 March 2017. The pro and con aspects of the debate are presented. The implications of the debate are important ranging from diagnostic aspects to consequences for the society and the payers.

Validity of a Venezuelan version of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index.

Spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are disabling diseases with a prevalence of 1.9% in the general population. The indices designed for monitoring the disease should be valid, reliable and cross-culturally adapted for decision-making concerning the appropriate treatment. Changing an adjective or pronoun in a self-administered questionnaire could be the big difference in condensing an idea in a few words and transmitting that concept to all those who share the same language. To develop a Venezuelan version of the original English version of the BASDAI/BASFI and to evaluate its reliability and validity in Venezuelan patients with SpA. Certified linguists were needed for the translation of a Venezuelan version of the BASDAI/BASFI. The evaluation of reliability and validity was performed by calculating correlation coefficients in addition to Cronbach's alpha correlation between the BASDAI score and the clinical parameters (for example: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, modified Schöber test, occiput-to-wall distance and enthesis count). We studied 40 patients including 31 men (77.5%) and 9 women (22.5%). The mean age was 35.9 years ± standard deviation (SD) 12.01 and the disease duration was 11.5 years (± SD 9.5). The most common diagnoses were undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (45%), ankylosing spondylitis (27.5%) and psoriatic arthritis (20%). The incidences of reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile Reiter's syndrome were 2.5% each. The test-retest reliability of the BASDAI and BASFI was high (R = 0.99 and 0.99, respectively; P<.0001). The internal consistency for the BASDAI was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88; P=.002) and the intraclass correlation coefficient for internal consistency: 0.9867 (P=.001). Internal consistency for the BASFI: Cronbach's alpha = 0.7985 (P=.002), intraclass correlation coefficient for internal consistency: 0.9055 (P=.001). Construct validity of the BASDAI was high for general well-being of the patient (R = 0.84) and for enthesis count (R = 0.84). Low back pain showed moderate correlation with BASDAI (R = 0.69; P<.0001) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed a low correlation (R = 0.39683; P=.0112). The Venezuelan version of the BASDAI/BASFI could be used in clinical research to assess and evaluate the course of disease activity in Venezuelan SpA patients.

Fever as an initial manifestation of spondyloarthritis: A retrospective study.

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate a wide spectrum of clinical features of adult patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) whose initial manifestation was fever, using the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the electronic medical records of hospitalized SpA patients who initially presented to the Severance Hospital (Seoul, Korea) with fever from January 2010 to May 2016. As a control group, we also recruited one-hundred consecutive patients who were diagnosed with SpA in our outpatient clinic. Clinical features and laboratory findings were compared in two patient groups.ResultsThere were 26 patients who had fever as initial presentation of SpA (reactive arthritis 50%, undifferentiated SpA 26.9%, ankylosing spondylitis 15.4%, enteropathic arthritis 3.8%, psoriatic arthritis 3.8%). Peripheral SpA was more common in febrile SpA patients than in control SpA patients (65.4% vs 24.0%, p<0.001). Febrile SpA patients were less frequently HLA-B27 positive than control SpA patients (52.2% vs 77.0%, p<0.05). At baseline, systemic inflammatory markers were significantly higher in the febrile SpA patients (white blood cell count, 11.57 vs 7.81 cells/μL, p<0.001; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 69.2 vs 41.0 mm/h, p<0.001; C-reactive protein, 109.6 vs 15.3 mg/L, p<0.001). The proportion of patients treated with systemic steroids was significantly higher in febrile SpA patients (57.7% vs. 11.0%, p<0.001). The proportion of patients who visited rheumatology specialty was significantly lower in febrile SpA patients than in control SpA patients (7.7% vs 59.0%, p<0.001).ConclusionVarious subgroups of SpA can be presented with fever as an initial manifestation. Febrile SpA patients demonstrated higher systemic inflammation and a lower chance to visit rheumatology in early stage. When evaluating febrile patients with any clinical features of SpA, clinicians are advised to consider performing SpA-focused evaluation including HLA-B27 or a simple sacroiliac joint radiograph.

Prognostic factors for change in self-reported anxiety and depression in spondyloarthritis patients: data from the population-based SpAScania cohort from southern Sweden

Objectives: Anxiety and depression symptoms are more common in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) than in the general population. This study describes prognostic factors for change in self-reported anxiety and depression over 2 years in a well-defined SpA cohort.Method: In 2009, 3716 adult patients from the SpAScania cohort received a postal questionnaire to assess quality of life (QoL) and physical and mental functioning. A follow-up survey was performed in 2011. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale indicated ‘no’, ‘possible’, and ‘probable’ cases of anxiety and depression. Transitions between the three different categories were analysed and logistic regression analysis determined prognostic factors (patient-reported outcomes and characteristics) for improvement or deterioration.Results: In total, 1629 SpA patients responded to both surveys (44%) (mean ± SD age 55.8 ± 13.1 years, disease duration 14.6 ± 11.7 years); 27% had ankylosing spondylitis, 55% psoriatic arthritis, and 18% undifferentiated SpA. The proportion of patients reporting possible/probable anxiety decreased from 31% to 25% over 2 years, while no changes in depression were seen. Factors associated with deterioration or improvement were largely the same for anxiety as for depression: fatigue, general health, QoL, level of functioning, disease activity, and self-efficacy. However, reporting chronic widespread pain (CWP) at baseline increased the risk of becoming depressed and decreased the probability of recovering from anxiety.Conclusion: Self-reported anxiety and depression is common and fairly stable over time in SpA patients. The association between mental health and CWP indicates that both comorbidities need to be acknowledged and treated in the clinic.

Performance of the classification criteria in patients with late-onset axial spondyloarthritis

Aim: To evaluate the performance of four different classification criteria for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with late-onset symptoms and to compare the clinical, laboratory and radiographic outcomes among the patients with symptoms before and after 45 years of age.Patients and methods: A total of 329 patients with SpA were enrolled in this prospective cohort. Patients with psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, colitis associated arthritis and peripheral or undifferentiated SpA were excluded. The remaining individuals were divided into two groups based on their ages at the time of onset of symptoms: from 16 to 45 years of age (adult-onset, A-O) and after 45 years of age (late-onset, L-O). The clinical data were collected, including BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, mSASSS, ASDAS, as were concomitant diseases and medications, efficacy and safety data. The performance of four SpA classification criteria, including modified New York, ESSG, Amor and ASAS, was evaluated in both groups. p value <.05 was considered as significant.Results: Thirty-two patients (9.72%) had L-O axial SpA. Mean age of diagnosis and symptoms were 57.6 (8.0) years and 7.6 (5.1) years, respectively. L-O patients had statistically worse functional impairment and higher disease activity. However, they had lower radiographic sacroiliac and spine damage (p < .001).Conclusion: Our data showed that almost 10% of the patients with SpA had late-onset of symptoms. Moreover, they had higher disease activity, worse physical function and lower spine radiographic damage than A-O SpA patients. Additionally, the ASAS classification criteria had the best performance and might be used in clinical practice.

Are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events? A prospective nationwide population-based cohort study

BackgroundTo investigate the risk of first-time acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA), compared to each other and to the general population (GP).MethodsThis is a prospective nationwide cohort study. Cohorts with AS (n = 6448), PsA (n = 16,063) and uSpA (n = 5190) patients and a GP (n = 266,435) cohort, were identified 2001–2009 in the Swedish National Patient and Population registers. The follow-up began 1 January 2006, or 6 months after the first registered spondyloarthritis (SpA) diagnosis thereafter, and ended at ACS/stroke/VTE event, death, emigration or 31 December 2012. Crude and age- and sex-standardized incidence rates (SIRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for incident ACS, stroke or VTE, respectively.ResultsStandardized to the GP cohort, SIRs for ACS were 4.3, 5.4 and 4.7 events per 1000 person-years at risk in the AS, PsA and uSpA cohort, respectively, compared to 3.2 in the GP cohort. SIRs for stroke were 5.4, 5.9 and 5.7 events per 1000 person-years at risk in the AS, PsA and uSpA cohort compared to 4.7 in the GP cohort. Corresponding SIRs for VTE were 3.6, 3.2 and 3.5 events per 1000 person-years at risk compared to 2.2 in the GP cohort. Age-and sex-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for ACS events were significantly increased in AS (1.54 (1.31–1.82)), PsA (1.76 (1.59–1.95)) and uSpA (1.36 (1.05–1.76)) compared to GP. Age-adjusted HRs for ACS was significantly decreased in female AS patients (0.59 (0.37–0.97)) compared to female PsA patients. Age-and sex-adjusted HRs for stroke events were significantly increased in AS (1.25 (1.06–1.48)) and PsA (1.34 (1.22–1.48)), and nonsignificantly increased in uSpA (1.16 (0.91–1.47)) compared to GP. For VTE the age-and sex-adjusted HRs for AS, PsA and uSpA were equally and significantly increased with about 50% compared to GP.ConclusionsPatients with AS, PsA and uSpA are at increased risk for ACS and stroke events, which emphasizes the importance of identification of and intervention against cardiovascular risk factors in SpA patients. Increased alertness for VTE is warranted in patients with SpA.