Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and pelvic bones. Recently, many researchers have confirmed that biological therapy is effective for AS patients, which provides a new perspective for the treatment of AS. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of scientific research on AS and biological therapy worldwide and investigate research hotspots and the direction of future trends. Global literature on AS and biological therapy published from 2004 to 2023 was searched in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Visualization and bibliometric analysis were carried out using the VOSviewer and CiteSpace software with the retrieved data regarding countries, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords. A total of 2,243 related articles were included, showing that the number of articles in this field has increased annually. The highest number of articles were from the USA (24.39%), followed by Italy (14.36%), England (12.19%), Germany (10.66%), and Spain (7.86%). Braun J was the most prolific author, with a h-index of 16. The institution with the most articles was Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, and the Rheumatology journal had the highest number of publications. "janus kinase inhibitor" and "secukinumab" displayed a notable citation burst in recent years, indicating IL-17i and JAKi are research hotspots. More and more attention has been paid to the association between AS and biological therapy in the past two decades. The USA plays a leading role, and China has made remarkable progress. This study has provided a valuable reference for future research in this field.

To discuss the varies outcome measure instruments for the assessment of different domains for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) both in trial and clinical practice settings.

PsA is a multifaceted chronic inflammatory disease with diverse manifestations. This pose challenges of comprehensive assessment of the outcome of PsA. The Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) had developed the core domain set and in the progress of selecting the core outcome measurement set for trials and clinical practice for PsA, using the framework set by Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT). In brief, the core set of "what to measure" has been endorsed, and a standardized way of "how to measure" them are under review. Composite outcome measures for PsA may provide a solution to measuring multiple domains in a nutshell for various purposes in trials and clinical practice.

This provides a succinct summary of the current state of outcome measurement in PsA and provides a quick and comprehensive perspective to select relevant outcome measure to use in busy rheumatology clinical settings.

During the period from 2022 to 2024, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases published a series of articles dedicated to significant advancements in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). These articles spanned across diverse areas including translational science, epidemiology, disease outcomes, imaging, management, and updated clinical recommendations and consensus statements supported by new evidence.

To investigate the clinical response to adalimumab (ADA) in patients with active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) in Taiwan.

In this real-world study, patients with r-axSpA, starting ADA therapy, were enrolled and followed up every 12 weeks for 48 weeks. Outcome parameters were the proportion of patients with an improvement of 50% in Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI50), inactive disease (ID, < 1.3), and low disease activity (LDA, < 2.1) per ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score-C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) and ASDAS-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ASDAS-ESR), and change in peripheral and extra-musculoskeletal manifestations. Determinants of BASDAI50 response to ADA were examined. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded.

Of 88 enrolled patients, 86 were analyzed, and 82 completed the study with all patients receiving 40 mg ADA fortnightly. Patients achieving BASDAI50 increased from 79.1% to 80.5% from weeks 12 to 48. At week 48, ASDAS-CRP and -ESR, ID, and LDA were improved from baseline in 60.8%, 74.7%, 42.1%, and 68.4% of patients, respectively. A decrease in enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, and uveitis was noted. Younger age, presence of uveitis, and use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were the determinants of treatment response. At least one TEAE was reported in 22.7%, serious AEs in 2.3% of patients, and no deaths. The most common TEAEs were upper respiratory tract infection (5.7%) and cough (3.4%).

This real-world, prospective study in Taiwan involving patients with active r-axSpA shows that ADA treatment effectively reduced disease activity and improved physical function. No new safety concerns were noted.

Axial spondyloarthritis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly affects quality of life and imposes a high economic burden on patients due to the cost of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Dose reduction strategies for bDMARDs may offer a feasible approach to maintaining clinical efficacy while reducing costs. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency of bDMARD dose reduction in patients with AS and apply machine learning to identify key factors influencing disease control.

This 12-month prospective study, 368 AS patients receiving ≥ 3 months of full-dose bDMARDs were included. Among 215 initial responders (ASDAS < 2.1), 146 underwent dose reduction while 69 continued full-dose therapy. Clinical outcomes such as C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS) were assessed, along with cost effectiveness using incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER). Random forest models were developed to predict the achievement of inactive disease (ASDAS < 1.3) and to identify key predictors.

The dose reduction group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in CRP (-4.05 vs. +2.83 mg/L, p < 0.001), BASDAI (-3.00 vs. +0.89, p < 0.001), and ASDAS (-1.42 vs. +0.09, p < 0.001) compared to the full dose group. A greater proportion of patients in the reduced dose group achieved ASDAS < 1.3 at 12 months (93.2% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001), with a shorter median time to response (4.20 vs. 4.70 months, p < 0.001). The ICER for achieving ASDAS < 1.3 was favorable (-$6,209.78; 95% CI:-$9,048.35 to-$4,015.78), supporting the cost-effectiveness of dose reduction. A random forest model identified reduced dose strategy, baseline ASDAS, BASDAI, treatment duration, and CRP as key predictors of ASDAS < 1.3, achieving an AUC of 0.845 and F1-score of 0.774.

In this cohort, bDMARD dose reduction was associated with preserved clinical outcomes and lower costs, suggesting it may be a viable strategy for selected patients under close clinical supervision. Predictive modeling provided actionable insights to optimize personalized treatment strategies, balancing efficacy and economic sustainability. These findings support further evaluation of dose reduction strategies, especially in resource-limited settings, to inform potential integration into routine practice.

This study aimed to determine whether novel follow-up regimen, remote monitoring, or patient-initiated care is noninferior to usual care in maintaining low disease activity, in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

This is a randomised, controlled, 3-armed, parallel-group, open-label, noninferiority trial. Patients with axSpA in low disease activity on stable treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor were recruited from a Norwegian outpatient clinic. Patients were randomly allocated 1:1:1 to remote monitoring, patient-initiated care, or usual care (control group), with 18 months of follow-up. Primary outcome was mean probability of axSpA Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) of <2.1, compared between groups at 6, 12, and 18 months, with 15% noninferiority margin. Secondary outcomes included other measures of disease activity, physical function, patient satisfaction, change of medication, resource use, and adverse events.

Of 243 patients enrolled patients, 235 completed the study (remote monitoring = 75, patient-initiated care = 79, usual care = 81). At the 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month assessments, 90% or more patients in all 3 groups had ASDAS of <2.1. The estimated difference of probability of ASDAS < 2.1 was as follows: usual care vs remote monitoring, -4.1% (97.5% CI, -9.9% to 1.8%); usual care vs patient-initiated care, -1.1% (97.5% CI, -7.2% to 4.9%); and remote monitoring vs patient-initiated care, 2.9% (95% CI, -1.5% to 7.4%). Health providers' resource use was lowest in patient-initiated care; other secondary outcomes were comparable.

In patients with axSpA in low disease activity and on stable treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor, follow-up with remote monitoring or patient-initiated care was noninferior to usual care in maintaining low disease activity, supporting the implementation of novel follow-up strategies.

The study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity of seniprutug (BCD-180) in patients with active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA, or ankylosing spondylitis).

. Two hundred sixty patients with active r-axSpA and inadequate response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were randomized into three groups to receive either seniprutug (BCD-180) 5 or 7 mg/kg, or placebo. BCD-180 was administered in the respective group dose using a 0-12-36 week regimen. The placebo group patients were switched to BCD-180 5 mg/kg at Week 24, with therapy continued at Week 36. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 40% improvement in the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS40) score at Week 24. The secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving an ASAS20/40 response, improvement in 5 of 6 ASAS criteria (ASAS5/6), partial remission according to ASAS, ASDAS-CRP clinically important improvement in (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein level, ASDAS-CII) and ASDAS-CRP major improvement (ASDAS-MI). An analysis of changes over time in the disease activity status according to ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index) scores, as well as changes over time in laboratory markers (CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) was also conducted. Safety was assessed based on the frequency and profile of adverse events (AE) and adverse reactions (AR).

: The proportion of patients who achieved an ASAS40 response at Week 24 on seniprutug (BCD-180) at doses of 7 and 5 mg/kg was 51.4 and 40.8%, respectively, compared with 24% in the Placebo group (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0417, respectively). Analysis of secondary endpoints showed that the efficacy of BCD-180 at both study doses was statistically significantly superior to placebo in patients with r-axSpA at Week 24 in the following respects: reduction in the proportion of subjects with very high disease activity (ASDAS-CRP > 3.5), achieving ASDAS-CII, ASAS20, ASAS5/6 response. A statistically significant decrease in the ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI, BASFI score, as well as CRP and ESR levels was demonstrated. Tolerability of seniprutug therapy was assessed as acceptable. The most common AEs were infusion-related reactions, most of which were mild to moderate according to CTCAE 5.0 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) and developed mainly during the first administration. The proportion of patients with detected binding antibodies was 5.1%. No neutralizing antibodies were detected.

. Seniprutug (BCD-180) as a therapy for r-axSpA has demonstrated superiority over placebo in the clinical efficacy, a good safety profile and low immunogenicity.

Ixekizumab, an interleukin 17A inhibitor, improved the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 40 (ASAS40) response rates irrespective of baseline inflammation in international populations with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). We investigated the association of baseline inflammation (measured by serum C-reactive protein [CRP] levels) with ixekizumab efficacy in Chinese patients with r-axSpA.

This was a subgroup analysis of a Chinese phase 3 study. Adults with r-axSpA who were biologic-naïve, or tumor necrosis factor inhibitor-experienced with baseline CRP > 5 mg/l, were randomized (1:1) to receive ixekizumab 80 mg every 4 weeks (IXEQ4W) or placebo, for 16 weeks. The following endpoints were analyzed by normal (≤ 5 mg/l) or elevated (> 5 mg/l) baseline CRP levels: ASAS40; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50 (BASDAI50); Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) < 2.1; ASDAS clinically important improvement (CII; change from baseline ≥ 1.1); ASDAS major improvement (MI; change from baseline ≥ 2.0 or achievement of lowest possible score); Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) linear score; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI); Short Form-36 Physical Component Score (SF-36 PCS).

A total of 147 patients were randomized. At week 16, the ASAS40 response rate was greater with IXEQ4W versus placebo in the normal (50.0% vs. 15.0%; p < 0.05) and elevated (29.5% vs. 5.7%; p < 0.01) CRP subgroups. Significant improvements in BASDAI50 response rate, ASDAS < 2.1, and ASDAS CII with IXEQ4W versus placebo were observed in both subgroups (normal CRP: p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively; elevated CRP: p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively); IXEQ4W significantly improved ASDAS MI in the elevated CRP subgroup (p < 0.001). IXEQ4W significantly improved linear BASMI and BASFI scores in the normal CRP subgroup (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), while SF-36 PCS improved in both subgroups (both p < 0.05).

Ixekizumab showed efficacy in Chinese patients with r-axSpA, irrespective of baseline CRP levels, consistent with results in international populations with r-axSpA.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04285229.

BackgroundPiriformis syndrome, an often-overlooked cause of sciatica, commonly presents as chronic gluteal pain and poses a diagnostic challenge, particularly in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).PurposeTo examine piriformis muscle abnormalities on sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their association with clinical outcomes in patients with axSpA.Material and MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 100 axSpA patients (50 radiographic [r-axSpA], 50 non-radiographic [nr-axSpA]), classified by the 2009 ASAS Axial Spondyloarthritis criteria, who underwent MRI evaluations of the sacroiliac joints over a 6-month period. Piriformis evaluation included the measurement of muscle size, signal intensity, and the assessment of fatty infiltration. Sciatic neuritis was assessed by identifying enlarged sciatic nerves or increased signal intensity. Data collection included demographic details, disease activity, and functionality parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate methods, with P < 0.05 indicating significance.ResultsPiriformis syndrome findings were identified in 10% of patients, with a slightly higher incidence in r-axSpA patients (12%) compared to nr-axSpA patients (8%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.739). Patients with these MRI findings had significantly higher disease activity, as indicated by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (3.5 vs. 2.82; P = 0.015), and greater functional impairment, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (5.45 vs. 2.7; P = 0.041).ConclusionThis study highlights the presence of MRI findings associated with piriformis syndrome among axSpA patients, which are linked to increased disease activity and reduced function. Recognizing piriformis syndrome as a co-morbidity may improve diagnosis and treatment, leading to better patient outcomes.

The Russian Cross-disciplinary Consensus on the diagnositic and treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) was prepared on the initiative of the Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific Center, using the Delphic system. Its purpose was to consolidate the opinions of experts on the most actual issues of diagnosis and treatment of concomitant immuno-inflammatory diseases (SpA and IBD). An interdisciplinary approach is provided by the participation of leading gastroenterologists and rheumatologists. The working group analyzed domestic and foreign publications on the problem of curation of patients with SpA and IBD. There have been 17 statements and 2 treatment algorithms formulated. Statements 1-3 reflect the fundamental principles of management of patients with SpA and IBD. The principles of early diagnosis of SpA and IBD, including the diagnosis of complications of therapy, are described below. Eleven statements are devoted to current methods of treatment, on the basis of which 2 treatment algorithms have been developed. The statements of the Consensus were submitted to the Expert Council for consideration, edits were made, after which an online vote took place. This paper presents current recommendations for the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with SpA and IBD.

Sarcopenia, defined by a loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, is a potential comorbidity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Its prevalence, along with malnutrition, remains unclear.

This cross-sectional study assessed sarcopenia (using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP-2) criteria), presarcopenia, and malnutrition (using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria) in a Spanish axSpA cohort. We included 94 patients aged ≥ 50 years. Sarcopenia was evaluated using the SARC-F questionnaire and by measuring muscle strength, mass, and performance. Presarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass alone. Malnutrition was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI).

The prevalence of sarcopenia, presarcopenia, and malnutrition was 3.2%, 23.4%, and 10.6%, respectively. Sarcopenia correlated with worse functionality and quality of life (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) 7.6 ± 1.2 vs. 3.6 ± 2.5, p = 0.02; ASAS Health Index (ASAS-HI) 11 ± 2 vs. 5.6 ± 3.7, p = 0.03). Presarcopenia was linked to a lower BMI (24.7 ± 4.1 vs. 29.1 ± 4.2, p < 0.01), FFMI (16.1 ± 2 vs. 19.6 ± 2.6, p < 0.01), and reduced biologic treatment use (31.8% vs. 61.1%, p = 0.03). Malnourished patients had lower muscle mass (5.14 ± 0.73 vs. 6.23 ± 0.96, p < 0.01). SARC-F showed 100% sensitivity and 75.8% specificity for sarcopenia detection.

Despite low sarcopenia prevalence, presarcopenia and malnutrition are frequent, highlighting the need for early detection in axSpA.

This study aims to develop a predictive model to assess the likelihood of psychological disorders in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to explore the relationships between different factors and psychological disorders.

Patients were randomly divided into training and test sets in an 8:2 ratio. The Boruta algorithm was applied to select predictive factors, and a multi-label classification learning algorithm based on association rules (AR) was developed. Models were constructed using Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), RF-AR, and KNN-AR, and their performance was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves on the test set.

A total of 513 AS patients were included, with 410 in the training set and 103 in the test set. The Boruta algorithm identified five key variables for the model: fatigue, ASAS-HI score, disease duration, disease activity, and BMI. The RF-AR model performed best, with an accuracy of 0.89 ± 0.06, recall of 0.78 ± 0.1, F1-score of 0.86 ± 0.08, Hamming loss of 0.05 ± 0.03, and a Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.75 ± 0.12. The area under the curve (AUC) for the training set was 0.94.

This study developed a predictive model for assessing the risk of psychological disorders in AS patients. The model effectively captures the presence of psychological disorders, providing clinicians with valuable insights for adjusting treatment strategies.

We aimed to analyze the RheuMetric physician 0 to 10 visual numeric subscale (VNS) estimates of inflammatory activity (DOCINF), organ damage (DOCDAM), and patient distress (DOCDIS) at initial and follow-up routine rheumatology visits for possible incremental information to clarify physician estimate of global assessment (DOCGL).

A retrospective cross-sectional study compared mean DOCGL, DOCINF, DOCDAM, and DOCDIS and the percentage contributed by inflammation, damage, and distress to DOCGL (total = 100%) at initial and follow-up visits in 563 unselected routine care patients, classified into four diagnosis categories: inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], spondylarthritis, vasculitis, and gout), primary osteoarthritis (OA), primary fibromyalgia (FM), and "other" diagnoses. Differences between initial and follow-up visits were estimated using t-tests.

In all patients, mean DOCGL was 4.0/10, DOCINF 1.6/10, DOCDAM 2.9/10, and DOCDIS 2.4/10, indicating higher estimates for damage and distress than for inflammation, including in all inflammatory diagnoses other than SLE. Highest mean estimates were 2.2 for DOCINF in inflammatory diagnoses, 4.9 for DOCDAM in primary OA, 6.3 for DOCDIS in primary FM. However, DOCDAM was 2.8 (0.6 uniyts higher than DOCINF) in inflammatory diagnoses. RheuMetric estimates of inflammation were significantly higher at initial than at follow-up visits, and estimates of damage were significantly lower at initial than at follow-up visits in all patients and in those with inflammatory diagnoses. DOCGL did not differ significantly at initial versus follow-up visits.

DOCINF, DOCDAM, and DOCDIS add feasibly recorded, clinically relevant incremental information to DOCGL. Despite excellent contemporary control of inflammation, joint damage and patient distress remain important clinical problems in contemporary routine rheumatology care, documented by quantitative RheuMetric estimates.

This study aims to compare physical activity (PA) levels and exercise-related perceptions, including barriers and facilitators, between radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) patients, and to explore the relationships between PA, exercise perceptions and clinical parameters in axSpA patients.

A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 123 axSpA patients, comprising 83 r-axSpA and 40 nr-axSpA. Clinical parameters, including disease activity, pain, spinal mobility, enthesopathy, physical function, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, fibromyalgia symptoms, kinesiophobia, and mental health, were assessed. PA levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, while exercise perception was evaluated using the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale. Multivariable regressions examined the relationships between PA, exercise perception, and clinical variables.

Physical activity levels were comparable between subgroups (p = 0.654), but r-axSpA patients reported significantly higher exercise barriers (p = 0.023). In the r-axSpA group, the most commonly endorsed benefit was "Exercise improves my flexibility" (94%), while in the nr-axSpA group, it was "Exercise increases my physical fitness" (95%). In both groups, the most common barrier was "Exercise tires me". Higher PA was linked to improved physical function and reduced kinesiophobia in nr-axSpA, and lower anxiety in r-axSpA (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that PA level was related to symptom duration and enthesopathy, while exercise benefits were associated with health status, depression, physical function, and barriers with fatigue in axSpA patients.

Tailored interventions are essential to promote exercise participation in axSpA patients by addressing subgroup-specific barriers and clinical factors.

To describe the role of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis interntational Society (ASAS) over the past 30 years in the understanding of the field of spondyloarthritis.

A narrative review of the achievements.

A summary of the role of ASAS in defining nomenclature, definition of and criteria for SpA, outcome assessments, recommendations, and education.

ASAS played an important role in shaping the field of SpA.

Observational data on composite scores often comes with missing component information. When a complete-case (CC) analysis of composite scores is unbiased, preferable approaches of dealing with missing component information should also be unbiased and provide a more precise estimate. We assessed the performance of several methods compared to CC analysis in estimating the means of common composite scores used in axial spondyloarthritis research.

Individual mean imputation (IMI), the modified formula method (MF), overall mean imputation (OMI), and multiple imputation of missing component values (MI) were assessed either analytically or by means of simulations from available data collected across Europe. Their performance in estimating the means of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) in cases where component information was set missing completely at random was compared to the CC approach based on bias, variance, and coverage.

Like the MF method, IMI uses a modified formula for observations with missing components resulting in modified composite scores. In the case of an unbiased CC approach, these two methods yielded representative samples of the distribution arising from a mixture of the original and modified composite scores, which, however, could not be considered the same as the distribution of the original score. The IMI and MF method are, thus, intrinsically biased. OMI provided an unbiased mean but displayed a complex dependence structure among observations that, if not accounted for, resulted in severe coverage issues. MI improved precision compared to CC and gave unbiased means and proper coverage as long as the extent of missingness was not too large.

MI of missing component values was the only method found successful in retaining CC's unbiasedness and in providing increased precision for estimating the means of BASDAI, BASFI, and ASDAS-CRP. However, since MI is susceptible to incorrect implementation and its performance may become questionable with increasing missingness, we consider the implementation of an error-free CC approach a valid and valuable option.

Not applicable as study uses data from patient registries.

Anatomical variation of the sacroiliac (SI) joints is common and specific variants are associated with erosions and bone marrow oedema on imaging. Our investigation aims to evaluate whether anatomical variations influence the clinical presentation of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

In this propensity score matched post hoc analysis documented clinical data from four prospective clinical cohorts was assessed. Classification of back pain as inflammatory (=IBP), human leucocyte antigen-B27 positivity, family history, disease activity according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), symptom duration, elevated acute phase reactants, peripheral and extramusculoskeletal manifestations were evaluated. Statistical analyses were done using (generalised) linear models, t-tests, χ2 tests and analysis of variances. Multiple testing was corrected according to Bonferroni.

A total of 165 patients (86 women) were included. Atypical SI joints, defined by the presence of accessory joint facets, iliosacral complex or crescent-shaped ilii on MRI, were identified in 61 out of 165 patients with axSpA. Disease activity, assessed by BASDAI and symptom duration were similar in both groups (adjusted ß=-0.118 (95% CI -0.713, 0.476), p=0.696 and 120.0 (107.4) vs 116.5 (98.3) months, p=0.838, respectively). There was no significant difference in IBP between the groups (adjusted OR=0.614 (95% CI 0.274, 1.377), p=0.236). Sex-stratified analysis revealed no statistically significant results.

Our analysis suggests that clinical phenotypes do not significantly differ between patients with axSpA with and without atypical joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects quality of life (QoL) due to its impact on physical and emotional well-being. Accurate and reliable tools are needed to assess disease activity and QoL in different cultural contexts. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian versions of the Evaluation of Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (EASi-QoL) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) scales in Iranian AS patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 AS patients referred to a tertiary hospital in Tehran. Patients completed the EASi-QoL, and 39 also completed the ASDAS questionnaire. The translation followed the forward-backward method. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α for internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability. Content validity was evaluated using the content validity ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). Test-retest reliability was examined using Spearman's rank correlation for non-normally distributed data.

The ICC values for EASi-QoL ranged from 0.71 to 0.82, while Spearman's correlation coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.80. For ASDAS, all items except Question 1 had ICC and Spearman's correlation coefficients above 0.8, indicating high test-retest reliability. The average CVR for EASi-QoL was 0.56, and for ASDAS it was 0.68. The CVI for relevance, clarity, and simplicity ranged from 0.86 to 0.96 for both scales, confirming good content validity.

The Persian versions of the EASi-QoL and ASDAS scales demonstrate adequate reliability and validity. These tools are suitable for assessing QoL and disease activity in Iranian AS patients, providing culturally relevant measurements for clinical and research settings.

To determine the performance of T2* cartilage mapping in diagnosing and assessing disease activity in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and to investigate the interaction of cartilage damage with clinical characteristics, sacroiliitis MRI scorings, and diffusion metrics.

This prospective study included 83 axSpA patients and 37 no-axSpA patients. Clinical characteristics, the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society-defined active sacroiliitis on MRI, and T2* SIJs values were recorded. In axSpA, disease activity was evaluated using the ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score-C-reactive protein; active sacroiliitis was evaluated using Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada, intravoxel incoherent motion, and diffusion kurtosis imaging; chronic sacroiliitis was assessed using composite structural damage score (CSDS) and structural score fat. Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test with false discovery rate (FDR), ROC curve, and linear regression were used for statistical analysis.

AxSpA patients had significantly higher T2*SIJs values than no-axSpA patients. (22.86 ± 2.42 ms vs 20.36 ± 1.30 ms, p < 0.001). The combination of T2*SIJs values and active sacroiliitis on MRI had the highest AUC for identifying axSpA. T2*SIJs values were significantly different between the inactive and very high, moderate and very high, high and very high, as well as inactive and high disease activity groups (all pFDR < 0.05). Dk (β = 0.48) and CSDS (β = 0.48) were independently associated with T2*SIJs values.

T2* values may be a promising biomarker for diagnosing and differentiating disease activity in early axSpA. Both acute and chronic sacroiliitis influence cartilage properties.

Sacroiliac joint cartilage abnormalities can be quantified with T2* relaxation time and allow better characterization of early axSpA.

T2* mapping may have value in evaluating axSpA. The combination of T2* values and active sacroiliitis on MRI enhances diagnostic performance for axSpA. Abnormalities measured with T2* values correlate with disease activity, acute sacroiliitis, and degree of structural damage.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of extramusculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) and peripheral musculoskeletal features on first biologic drug survival in subjects with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact of reasons for treatment discontinuation.

A total of 593 axSpA patients from the SpondyloArthritis Research Consortium of Canada initiating a first biologic drug were identified between 2003 and 2023. Drug survival was presented using Kaplan-Meier curves for each disease manifestation and compared using the logrank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse independent predictors of discontinuation. The impact of reasons for treatment discontinuation was assessed using a competing risk analysis.

The presence of psoriasis, nail psoriasis, dactylitis, at least one EMM or at least one peripheral musculoskeletal manifestation was associated with prolonged drug survival compared with subjects without these disease manifestations. In multivariable analysis, psoriasis [hazard ratio (HR) 0.53 (95% CI 0.33, 0.86)] and at least one peripheral musculoskeletal manifestation [HR 0.65 (95% CI 0.47, 0.92)] were independently associated with a lower risk for biologic discontinuation. The presence of psoriasis or dactylitis was associated with reduced treatment discontinuation in patients who stopped their biologic medication for ineffectiveness but not when treatment was discontinued due to adverse events.

This study showed that the presence of some axSpA disease manifestations were associated with prolonged biologic drug survival. Psoriasis and peripheral musculoskeletal manifestations were the most significant predictors of treatment retention. Future research will be needed to further refine treatment strategies according to specific disease manifestations.

Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) experience a higher prevalence of fragility fractures, though the pathophysiology of osteoporosis associated with this disease remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the histomorphometric data in r-axSpA patients. Male r-axSpA patients up to 55 years old were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Clinical, lab, and imaging data, including spine X-Ray to evaluate vertebral fractures and new bone formation, as well as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at spine, hip, and forearm and trabecular bone score (TBS), were performed in all patients. Transiliac histomorphometry was also underwent in all patients, and data were compared with 21 male cadavers' material. A total of 21 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.8 years, long disease duration (median 17.5 years), mostly white (66.7%) and positive for HLA-B27 (90.5%). The prevalence of DXA abnormalities and low TBS (≤ 1.338) was 42.8% and 57.1%, respectively. There was higher osteoid trabecular thickness (p = 0.027) and cortical bone changes, including reduced thickness (p = 0.031) and increased porosity (p = 0.015) in r-axSpA patients. In addition, a pattern of cortical trabecularization was observed in 52.3%. Dynamic evaluation revealed a longer mineralization lag time (p = 0.0074) and lower mineralized surface (p = 0.0029) and bone formation rate (p = 0.0074) in patients compared to reference values. Our results showed a pattern of low trabecular remodeling, bone mineralization impairment, as well as cortical thickness and porosity abnormalities in men with r-axSpA. These findings may impact future treatment of bone fragility in this disease.

To assess the longitudinal association between physical activity and global functioning in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and to identify the subtype of physical activity that is longitudinally related to global functioning.

Physical activity was measured using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Global functioning was assessed using the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI). The amount and subtype (work, transport, and recreation) of physical activity, disease activity, and ASAS HI were assessed at baseline, and at 1 and 2 year follow-up. Physical activity levels were categorized as low, moderate, or high. The longitudinal association between physical activity and ASAS HI scores was analysed using a generalized estimating equation.

The study evaluated 160 patients. Univariate analysis identified physical activity at moderate level and higher, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and syndesmophyte number as being longitudinally associated with ASAS HI over 2 years. Multivariate analysis identified physical activity at moderate level and higher as being longitudinally associated with ASAS HI. Physical activity above moderate levels was associated independently with good global functioning. In the analysis stratified by radiographic axSpA and non-radiographic axSpA, a positive association between physical activity and global functioning was observed in both groups. Only recreational activity, but not work- and transport-related activity, showed an independent longitudinal relationship with the ASAS HI score.

Physical activity at moderate level and higher was associated independently with global functioning in axSpA. Therefore, patients should maintain physical activity above moderate levels to preserve global function.

To systematically review the effects of alcohol consumption (AC) on disease-specific outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

A systematic review of observational studies on axSpA and AC was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were searched for keywords. Two investigators reviewed articles to assess for inclusion eligibility. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklist was employed to evaluate the risk of bias. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to synthesize the data and I2 was used to ascertain heterogeneity. Spinal pain, disease activity as measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and spinal radiographic progression based on the modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) were examined as outcomes.

Search strategy identified 703 records; 13 articles were assessed for eligibility. Five studies (n=3858) were included. Compared to non-consumers, axSpA patients who consumed alcohol had lower BASDAI (SMD: -0.19, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.02, I2=72.5%) and lower spinal pain (SMD: -0.17, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.09, I2=0%). No significant difference was found for ASDAS (SMD: -0.19, 95% CI: -0.39 to 0.00, I2=36%). One cohort study on the spinal radiographic progression indicated greater radiographic progression among consumers (SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.62).

AC appears to be associated with lower disease activity and spinal pain. However, these findings may reflect confounding by sex and smoking. Further longitudinal cohort studies with standardized measures for AC are warranted to assess the direction of alcohol's effect on structural damage progression.

The study aimed to identify and describe disease activity trajectories over 10 years in patients with recent-onset axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and determine their impact on long-term outcomes.

This prospective, multicentre study (Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifférenciées Récentes cohort, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT) followed patients with early axSpA for 10 years. Only patients with at least three Axial Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) values were included. Long-term outcomes assessed were TNF inhibitors (TNFi) exposure, structural progression, function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index), quality of life (36-items Short Form Survey), sick leave days and cardiovascular (CV) events. ASDAS trajectories were identified using k-means clustering. Multinomial multivariable regression estimated associations between baseline characteristics and trajectories. Long-term outcomes for each trajectory were described.

Among 601 patients, five ASDAS trajectories were identified: persistent low disease activity/remission (tA), clinically important improvement (tD) and persistent moderate (tB), high (tC) or very high (tE) disease activity. Patients in tA were more likely to be male, have a university degree, have white-collar jobs, have positive HLA B27 status and have less fibromyalgia. Trajectory tE was linked to poorer function (BASFI 50/100 vs 7/100 for lower ASDAS trajectory), higher TNFi exposure (74% vs 29%) and more CV events (5.7% vs 0). Structural progression was low but comparable across trajectories, except for higher sacroiliac joint progression in tB.

The k-means method revealed distinct disease activity trajectories in axSpA. Higher disease activity trajectories were associated with a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia and poorer outcomes, except for structural progression, which was comparable across trajectories.

To compare the construct validity, including discrimination between known groups, of three pain and three morning stiffness (MS) measurement instruments.

Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with 8-year data from the Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis International Study cohort were assessed cross-sectionally. Three instruments for pain and three for MS, all self-reported and scored 0-10, were compared. Construct validity was evaluated by testing (1) hypothesis of correlations' strength and (2) discrimination between known groups using standardised mean differences (SMD) across external constructs. Influence of contextual factors (CFs) on SMDs was investigated.

Of 85 patients, mean age was 54 (SD 11), mean symptom duration 31 (11) years, 71% males. All six instruments showed a good construct validity by fulfilling >75% of the hypotheses for the strength of correlation. Neck/back/hip pain (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index-Question 2, BASDAI-Q2) and total back pain had higher SMDs compared with back pain at night across all between-group comparisons, with BASDAI-Q2 performing mostly slightly better (eg, SMD for external construct Axial Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS; ≥2.1 vs <2.1): 1.87 (BASDAI-Q2) vs 1.56 (total back pain) vs 1.07 (back pain at night)). MS-severity and severity/duration had higher SMDs across all external constructs (with MS-severity slightly better), while MS-duration performed worse (eg, SMD external construct ASDAS: 1.51 (MS-severity) and 1.39 (MS-severity/duration) vs 1.16 (MS-duration)). Influence of CFs on known group discrimination was limited.

The recommended Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Core Outcome Set (ASAS-COS) pain measurement instrument total back pain BASDAI-Q2 has the best known group discrimination. For MS, the ASAS-COS stiffness measure (MS-severity/duration) performs well although MS-severity even slightly better. Known group discrimination is overall stable across CFs.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects around 30% of patients with psoriasis. The disease spectrum includes peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, tenosynovitis, dactylitis, axial involvement, and skin and nail psoriasis in most patients. In addition to the cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations, several comorbidities can complicate the disease course, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, gout, anxiety, and depression. The management of patients with psoriatic arthritis begins with a careful assessment of the skin and joints and screening for comorbidities. This review describes the assessment tools and outcome measures used in the evaluation of patients with psoriatic arthritis. It summarizes the approach to therapy, including non-medicinal interventions such as education, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. It discusses the evidence on pharmacologic treatments, including drugs used for symptomatic relief such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and those used to control the disease process; this last group comprises conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, and biologic and targeted DMARDs, including anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), anti-interleukin-17 (IL-17), anti-IL-12/23, and anti-IL-23 agents, as well as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) antagonists. Although these drugs are usually tailored to the clinical profile of the patient, biomarkers predictive of response to therapy are needed so that a more personalized approach can be followed.

There are several treatment controversies that have emerged in spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. These are related to the nature of the conditions as well as to the use of medications.

This review, which included a search of PubMed database as well as the references within the articles provides an overview of the nature of spondyloarthritis, controversy over the inclusion of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as a peripheral spondyloarthritis, and a summary of current treatments for both PsA and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), with special emphasis on targeted therapy. The review highlights the differences in response to certain medications, particularly biologic therapy and summarizes the randomized controlled trials in psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis providing data about the responses in table format.

There is a need for better outcome measures in axSpA. Currently, the measures are subjective. Imaging may be more appropriate but there is a need for research into the reliability and responsiveness of imaging techniques. In PsA, there may also be better response measures and research into the reliability and responsiveness of available measures is underway. There is also a need for novel therapies as well as biomarkers for response in both diseases.

Background: Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody against interleukin 17 approved for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and psoriasis. Treating axSpA and PsA patients with a history of malignancy is a challenge. While initial results on the applicability of secukinumab in this patient group are positive, the number of studies on this topic remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the drug's survival time and the efficacy and safety of secukinumab treatment in this specific patient group. Methods: This retrospective study included 30 patients with a history of malignancy who were followed up in rheumatology outpatient clinics in 12 centers throughout Turkey and treated with secukinumab between May 2018 and March 2024 with a diagnosis of axSpA and PsA. Results: The mean follow-up time was 29.8 ± 19.3 months. The drug retention rate was 89.7% after 12 months and 80.6% after 24 months. The most common tumor in our study was papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 5, 16.7%). During follow-up, local tumor recurrence was observed in a patient with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Conclusions: In the largest cohort reported to date, treatment with secukinumab in axSpA and PsA patients with a history of malignancy was not shown to cause oncologic recurrence except for one local tumor recurrence. Drug retention rates were also high, and disease activation and function improved compared to baseline. Therefore, secukinumab could be a safe and effective option for this patient group.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) significantly impacts patients' lives. The ASAS-OMERACT guideline was formulated for the multidimensional evaluation of axSpA patients, employing a specific set of tools. Given the pivotal role of patient perception, comprehensive correlation among these tools, especially concerning quality of life, may provide a clinically relevant perspective and enhance treatment efficacy in the early stages of the disease. This study aims to investigate the correlation among disease activity, functional ability, and quality of life in early-treated axSpA patients. In addition, the association between high disease activity and clinical characteristics was explored.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Patients diagnosed with axSpA according to ASAS classification criteria and receiving treatment from rheumatologists within three years of onset of symptoms were included. Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from a hospital database. Disease activity was assessed using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with ESR or CRP (ASDAS-ESR/CRP) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Spinal mobility was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), while quality of life and function were evaluated using the ASAS Health Index (ASAS-HI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), respectively. The correlation between these measurements was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Additionally, factors associated with high disease activity (ASDAS/CRP > 2.1) were explored using multivariate regression analysis.

Sixty-six patients (41 males; mean age 49.3 ± 13.3 years) were enrolled between April to December 2022. Disease activity (ASDAS-CRP) was significantly inversely correlated with spinal mobility (BASMI), function (BASFI), and quality of life (ASAS-HI). High disease activity was associated with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2) and a longer duration of symptoms before treatment (≥ 2 years).

In early-treated axSpA patients, ASDAS-CRP showed significant correlations with functional ability, quality of life, and spinal mobility. High disease activity was associated with obesity and a longer pre-treatment symptom duration in our study. Early treatment may enhance patients' function, mobility, and quality of life, with weight reduction being possibly beneficial for obese axSpA patients.

Not applicable.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anti-infliximab (IFX) antibodies on three different points of care: response/tolerance to IFX, tapering strategy, and in a subsequent treatment with a second tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi).

A prospective cohort of 60 patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis who received IFX were evaluated retrospectively regarding clinical/laboratorial data, IFX levels, and anti-IFX antibodies at baseline, after 6, 12 to 14, 22 to 24, 48 to 54, 96 to 102 weeks, and before tapering or switching.

Anti-IFX antibodies were detected in 27 patients (45%), of whom 23 (85.1%) became positive in the first year of IFX treatment. In comparison to the group that was negative for anti-IFX antibodies, patients who were positive for anti-IFX antibodies demonstrated the following: less use of methotrexate as a concomitant treatment to IFX (5 [18.5%] vs 14 [42.4%]; P = 0.048), more infusion reactions at 22 to 24 weeks (P = 0.020) and 48 to 54 weeks (P = 0.034), more treatment failures (P = 0.028) at 48 to 54 weeks, reduced overall IFX survival (P < 0.001), and lower sustained responses (P = 0.044). Of note, patients who were positive for anti-IFX antibodies exhibited a shorter tapering survival (9.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.0-15.8] vs 63.4 months [95% CI 27.9-98.8]; P = 0.004) in comparison with patients who were negative for anti-IFX antibodies. Conversely, for patients who failed IFX, patients who were positive for anti-IFX antibodies had better clinical response to the second TNFi at three months (15 [83.3%] vs 3 [27.3%]; P = 0.005) and six months (15 [83.3%] vs 4 [36.4%]; P = 0.017) than the patients who were negative for anti-IFX antibodies after switching.

This study provided novel data that anti-IFX antibodies is a parameter for reduced tapering survival, reinforcing its detection to guide clinical decision. Additionally, we confirmed in a long-term cohort the anti-IFX antibody association with worse IFX performance and as predictor of the second TNFi good clinical response.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a spectrum of immune-mediated inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the axial skeleton, including sacroiliitis and spondylitis, each with distinct features. This study aimed to investigate imaging disparities, focusing on sacroiliac magnetic resonance and spine radiography, across phenotypes and between males and females in axial SpA.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess clinical data, laboratory findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of sacroiliac joints using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) and Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score (SSS), and cervical and lumbar spine radiographs utilizing the Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). The study aimed to compare these parameters between two groups: axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA, radiographic and non-radiographic) and axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA), as well as between males and females.

Ninety-four patients were included, with 62 patients in the axSpA group and 32 patients in the axPsA group. There were no differences in disease activity, mobility, radiographic damage in the spine (Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score- mSASSS), or sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores (Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Magnetic Resonance Imaging Index - SPARCC and Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score - SSS) between the two phenotypes. Regarding sex, in imaging exams, men had higher mSASSS (p = 0.008), SSS (p = 0.001), and fat metaplasia (MG) score based on SSS (p = 0.001), while women had significantly higher SPARCC scores (p = 0.039). In the male group, the presence of HLA-B27 allele had an impact on more structural lesions on MRI (SSS), p = 0.013.

In this study, imaging of sacroiliac joints and spine in patients with axial SpA did not show differences in phenotypes but did reveal differences based on sex, which may have an impact on future diagnostic recommendations. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.