“Assessing and understanding outcome in spondyloarthritis”

Keywords: spondyloarthritis, clinical practice, treatment, outcomes

This dissertation examines how spondyloarthritis (SpA) manifests itself and how patients experience this condition. SpA is a group of rheumatological conditions that involve the back and/or pelvis and leads to inflammation of the joints and/or tendons. This study found that pain is the most important health concern for patients with SpA.  

It also found that extra-articular manifestations (EAMs or rheumatoid nodules) occur more frequently in patients with SpA than in the general population; however, it is difficult to predict which patients will develop an EAM. If a patient does develop an EAM, it will not influence the long-term outcome. Rheumatologists should be alert to the development of ischemic heart disease in patients with SpA.

Finally, the disease has also been associated with long-term gender differences; while X-rays in male patients show more visible damage, female patients experience decreased quality of life. This information is important for both clinical practice and research.

Part of this study was financed by the ASAS foundation.