Predictors of long-term outcome in ankylosing spondylitis

A retrospective study reported in the The Journal of Rheumatology was conducted to determine predictors of long-term outcome in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).The authors collected retrospective data on constitutional and environmental factors that may predict outcome in AS in 311 subjects. Univariate statistics and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify factors which correlated with disease outcome. Disease outcome which was defined by radiological examination (Bath AS Radiology Index, BASRI) and functional status (Bath AS Functional Index, BASFI). It was reported by the authors that disease duration, sex, and iritis are independently associated with BASRI and account for 23% (p Radiological hip involvement is significantly associated with higher scores of spinal radiological change (BASRI-s) (p The authors stated that much of the variability in disease severity in AS remains unexplained and the results of the investigation suggest genetic factors have a greater influence than environmental factors on radiological progression and disability in AS. The authors also commented that it may be possible to improve long term functional outcome in AS by targeting high risk individuals early in the disease course with more aggressive management strategies and encouraging smoking cessation in all patients with AS.Reference:Doran, M. Brophy, S. Mackay, K. et al 2003, 'Predictors of Longterm Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis', The Journal of Rheumatology, vol. 30, pp. 316-320....