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Objective: To investigate whether patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) adapt to their disease, using the 'then-test'., Methods: Data from patients participating in the AS Study for Evaluation of Recombinant Infliximab Therapy (ASSERT) and continuing in the European AS Infliximab Cohort (EASIC) were used. At 5 assessments in EASIC, patients were asked to rerate their global well-being before the start of infliximab in ASSERT. The patients evaluated their past situation by using a 'then-test' ('retrospective patient global'). Initial and retrospective patient global were compared using a paired t test, and mixed linear models investigated whether the retrospective score of well-being was stable at all follow-up assessments in EASIC. Linear regression analysis explored whether treatment response was associated with the difference between the initial and retrospective score ('gap') while adjusting for possible confounders., Results: 86 patients (mean age 39.8 years (SD=10.4), mean disease duration 10.8 years (SD=8.5)) contributed to the current analyses. At the time of starting infliximab, patients judged their global at 7.0 (SD=1.6), and with the 'then-test' at 7.2 (SD=2.3) (p=0.45). Time elapsed did not influence the 'then-test' (p=0.13). Multivariably, the gap was irrespective of treatment response, but associated with initial patient global (p<0.01) and initial Bath AS Disease Activity Index (p=0.02)., Conclusions: Patients with AS accurately judged their global well-being before starting treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibition, even though substantial time had elapsed. The difference between initial and retrospective judgment was irrespective of treatment response. In this setting, the 'then-test' could not prove adaptation in AS., Trial Registration Number: NCT01286545.

Objectives: The burden of disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be considerable. However, no agreement has been reached among expert members of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) to define severity of AS. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), a core set of items for AS has been selected to represent the entire spectrum of possible problems in functioning. Based on this, the objective of this study was to develop a tool to quantify health in AS, the ASAS Health Index., Methods: First, based on a literature search, experts' and patients' opinion, a large item pool covering the categories of the ICF core set was generated. In several steps this item pool was reduced based on reliability, Rasch analysis and consensus building after two cross-sectional surveys to come up with the best fitting items representing most categories of the ICF core set for AS., Results: After the first survey with 1754 patients, the item pool of 251 items was reduced to 82. After selection by an expert committee, 50 items remained which were tested in a second cross-sectional survey. The results were used to reduce the number of items to a final set of 17 items. This selection showed the best reliability and fit to the Rasch model, no residual correlation, and absence of consistent differential item function and a Person Separation Index of 0.82., Conclusions: In this long sequential study, 17 items which cover most of the ICF core set were identified that showed the best representation of the health status of patients with AS. The ASAS Health Index is a linear composite measure which differs from other measures in the public domain., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)

Introduction: The topic under discussion is of strong relevance to the field of spondyloarthritis (SpA) because, in addition to established biological, there are new promising compounds. The reason for the review is to put all available data together to allow for an overview on recent developments and to especially inform readers about emerging drugs, biologics and small molecules in the field of SpA., Areas Covered: This review on new therapies in axial and peripheral SpA comprising psoriatic arthritis (PsA) shows, that, in addition to the established anti-TNF agents infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab and the first biosimilar approved in the EU, there are at least two emerging biologics in the field of SpA: ustekinumab, a compound targeting IL12/IL-23 via the p40 subunit of both cytokines works for psoriasis and PsA and probably also for Crohn's disease, and the anti-IL-17 antibody secukinumab which has also been shown to work in psoriasis, both compounds seem to also work in ankylosing spondylitis. In addition, the potential of two small molecules, apremilast a phoshodiesterase4 inhibitor and tofacitinib, a januskinase inhibitor is discussed., Expert Opinion: Since, in contrast to rheumatoid arthritis, the therapeutic array in SpA is currently limited to TNF-blockers, and since there is still an unmet need because some patients do not respond to anti-TNF therapy at all or they loose response, new agents with a different mechanism of action are eagerly awaited.

Objective: The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) have added nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) to the classic ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as defined by the modified New York criteria. However, some confusion remains about differences between classification and diagnosis of axSpA. Our objective was to analyze differences between classification and diagnostic criteria by discussing each feature of the classification criteria based on real cases., Methods: The clinical features of the ASAS classification criteria were evaluated in relation to their significance for an expert diagnosis of axSpA. Twenty cases referred to our tertiary center outpatient clinic were selected because of an incorrect diagnosis of axSpA: 10 cases in which axSpA had been excluded initially because the classification criteria were not fulfilled, and 10 patients who had been previously diagnosed with axSpA because the classification criteria were fulfilled. Upon reevaluation, the former were diagnosed with axSpA while the latter had other diseases., Results: All items that are part of the classification criteria show some variability related to their relevance for a diagnosis of axSpA. There are clinical features suggestive of axSpA that are not part of the classification criteria. Misinterpretation of imaging procedures contributed to false-positive results. Rarely, other diseases may mimic axSpA., Conclusion: Because the sensitivity and specificity of the axSpA classification criteria have been around 80% in clinical trials, some false-positive and false-negative cases were expected. It is hoped that their detailed description and discussion will help to increase the understanding of diagnosing axSpA in relation to the ASAS classification criteria.

Patient assessment in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is multidimensional, and monitoring of disease activity, function and radiographic progression is complex. There is no simple 'gold standard' for measuring disease activity in all individual patients, as disease activity in axSpA is the sum of many different aspects and a complexity that cannot be represented by a single variable. Limited spinal mobility is a cardinal sign of ankylosing spondylitis and loss of spinal mobility has been reported to be a prognostic factor and most often evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index. Imaging of the spine and assessment of safety aspects plays an important role in the monitoring of patients with axSpA. The timeframe for collecting information regarding disease activity, function and radiographic progression are recommended on an individual basis.

Back pain is a significant medical problem and one of the most common causes of medical consultations and missed work. In acute low back pain, patients with "red flags" indicating a serious underlying spinal or extraspinal disease must be identified by medical evaluation. Most cases of acute back pain are non-specific, and education, physical activity and pain medication is recommended. In addition, yellow flags (risks of developing chronic pain) should be recognized. The management of low back pain has been addressed by the German National Disease Management Guideline (NVL) low back pain published in 2010. This guideline evaluates the evidence and effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions with a focus on nonspecific back pain. For chronic nonspecific low back pain intervention based on nondrug and drug therapy and a multiprofessional assessment is recommended. In patients with chronic inflammatory low back pain with onset before the age of 45, rheumatic spondyloarthritis should be considered. Recently, a guideline (S3-Leitlinie) for the management of axial spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis has become available. It provides evidence of physical and drug therapy including nonsteroidal antirheumatic and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy.

Spinal pain or back pain is a very common symptom that can have many reasons. The most studied location is low back pain, and it is considered to be nonspecific in the majority of cases. Only a small proportion of patients have axial inflammation as the major cause of their back complaints with chronic inflammatory back pain (IBP) as the most prominent clinical feature of spondyloarthritis (SpA). The recognition of IBP and patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging in primary care, and it is important to further facilitate the early diagnosis of SpA. Proposals for improving the referral of patients with a possible diagnosis of axSpA include clinical parameters, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27, and imaging parameters. Imaging is crucial for the visualization, objective validation, and understanding of back pain. Numerous diseases such as degenerative disk disease, degenerative changes in the intervertebral (facet) joints and the associated ligaments, spinal instability, herniation of the intervertebral disk, and spinal stenosis have to be differentiated in interpreting imaging of the spine. The sacroiliac joints and the spine are of major importance for the diagnosis and classification of axSpA. Conventional radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most important imaging technologies for visualization of structural changes such as syndesmophytes and axial inflammation such as sacroiliitis and spondylitis. The pathogenesis of axSpA is largely genetically determined. HLA B27 has the strongest contribution to the total genetic burden, but other major contributors such as endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-23R have also been identified., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The SAPHO syndrome, an acronym for synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis, is a rare disease which affects bones, joints and the skin. The main osteoarticular features are hyperostosis and osteitis. Osteoarticular symptoms predominantly occur on the anterior chest wall but the spine and the peripheral skeleton can also be involved. The most important skin affections are palmoplantar pustulosis and severe acne. The etiology of this syndrome remains unclear but infectious, immunological and genetic factors are involved. The diagnostic features of SAPHO syndrome are clinical and radiological. The most important diagnostic procedure is Tc-99 m bone scintigraphy but conventional x-rays as well as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also contribute to the final diagnosis. Bone histology and positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) may help to differentiate SAPHO syndrome from malignancies and infectious osteomyelitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the cornerstone of treatment. The results obtained using antibiotics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as sulfasalazine and methotrexate are inconsistent. Bisphosphonates and anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs have shown promising results in small studies but further research is still necessary.

Objective: To study the relationship of spinal inflammation and fatty degeneration (FD) as detected by MRI and new bone formation seen on conventional radiographs (CRs) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS)., Methods: CRs at baseline, 2 years and 5 years and spinal MRIs at baseline and 2 years of 73 AS patients treated with infliximab in European AS Infliximab Cohort were available. Relative risks (RR) were calculated with a general linear model after adjustment for within-patient variation., Results: In a total of 1466 vertebral edges (VEs) without baseline syndesmophytes, 61 syndesmophytes developed at 5 years, the majority of which (57.4%) had no corresponding detectable MRI lesions at baseline. VEs with both inflammation and FD at baseline had the highest risk (RR 3.3, p=0.009) for syndesmophyte formation at 5 years, followed by VEs that developed new FD or did not resolve FD at 2 years (RR=2.3, p=0.034), while inflammation at baseline with no FD at 2 years had the lowest risk for syndesmophyte formation at 5 years (RR=0.8). Of the VEs with inflammation at baseline, >70% resolved completely, 28.8% turned into FD after 2 years, but only 1 syndesmophyte developed within 5 years., Conclusions: Parallel occurrence of inflammation and FD at baseline and development of FD without prior inflammation after 2 years were significantly associated with syndesmophyte formation after 5 years of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. However, the sequence 'inflammation-FD-new bone formation' was rarely observed, an argument against the TNF-brake hypothesis. Whether an early suppression of inflammation leads to a decrease of the risk for new bone formation remains to be demonstrated., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)

The spondyloarthritides (SpA) are currently differentiated into axial and peripheral SpA. Patients with axial SpA (axSpA) may be further classified into the classical form ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA). The SpA are genetically linked, and the subtypes including psoriatic arthritis (PsA) share characteristic clinical symptoms such as inflammatory back pain (IBP) and enthesitis. IMP can be due to sacroiliitis and spondylitis, enthesitis may occur with or without arthritis, and anterior uveitis, as well as other extraarticular manifestations such as psoriasis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition to clinical findings, imaging, mainly conventional radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory results such as HLA B27 and CRP are important tools for classification and diagnosis of SpA. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS), an international group of experts in the field of SpA since 1995, has published on assessments and outcome parameters in SpA. The publication of classification criteria for axSpA has now largely replaced the 1984 criteria for AS. However, the established cut-off between AS and nr-axSpA, 'definite' structural changes in the sacroiliac joints, has been recently debated because of limited reliability. Since imaging plays an important role in all criteria sets, the ASAS group has recently published definitions for inflammatory changes in the SIJ and the spine. The most important domains in AS are disease activity, function, spinal mobility, structural damage, and quality of life, some of which are discussed in this manuscript. For axSpA there are two major tools to assess disease activity, the BASDAI and the ASDAS, one for function, the BASFI, and several mobility measures including the BASMI. The AS Health Index (AS-HI) is introduced elsewhere in this supplement.

Within the variable course of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and involvement of other organs can add to the burden of the disease. The primary complaints of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) are pain, stiffness, fatigue, and limitation in activities and social participation. Instruments currently available for the assessment of patients with SpA focus predominantly on specific aspects of health such as pain, disease activity, and physical function and measure specific concepts like physical function and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). However, the overall picture of impairments, limitations and restrictions in activities or social participation of patients with AS is not adequately assessed in SpA-specific questionnaires. Most of the existing questionnaires are not conceptualised with regard to their underlying construct. The International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) Core Set for AS may serve as an appropriate model and underlying construct to develop a health index, since the whole range of functioning and disability of patients with AS is captured. Based on these assumptions, ASAS developed for patients with SpA an instrument assessing health as operationalised by the ICF. The questionnaire was developed by preparing an item pool, linkage of the items to the comprehensive ICF core set for AS and test of the item pool in two cross-sectional studies. The analysis of the questionnaire and the response scale were done with Rasch analysis. Emphasis was on optimal targeting, the capacity of items to differentiate between different levels of health, and optimal coverage of items to the spectrum of ICF categories, so that the final questionnaire could represent as much of the entire range of difficulty levels as possible. The ASAS HI is a linear composite measure and includes 17 items which cover most of the ICF core set. Preliminary validity has been confirmed in a field test in 4 English-speaking countries. The ASAS HI should soon be used in clinical trials and in clinical practice to test its real life performance and to confirm that this new composite index captures relevant information on functioning and health of patients with AS.

Introduction: The objective was to develop a questionnaire that can be used to calculate a score reflecting the impact of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from the patients' perspective: the PsA Impact of Disease (PsAID) questionnaire., Methods: Twelve patient research partners identified important domains (areas of health); 139 patients prioritised them according to importance. Numeric rating scale (NRS) questions were developed, one for each domain. To combine the domains into a single score, relative weights were determined based on the relative importance given by 474 patients with PsA. An international cross-sectional and longitudinal validation study was performed in 13 countries to examine correlations of the PsAID score with other PsA or generic disease measures. Test-retest reliability and responsiveness (3 months after a treatment change) were examined in two subsets of patients., Results: Two PsAID questionnaires were developed with both physical and psychological domains: one for clinical practice (12 domains of health) and one for clinical trials (nine domains). Pain, fatigue and skin problems had the highest relative importance. The PsAID scores correlated well with patient global assessment (N=474, Spearman r=0.82-0.84), reliability was high in stable patients (N=88, intraclass correlation coefficient=0.94-0.95), and sensitivity to change was also acceptable (N=71, standardised response mean=0.90-0.91)., Conclusions: A questionnaire to assess the impact of PsA on patients' lives has been developed and validated. Two versions of the questionnaire are available, one for clinical practice (PsAID-12) and one for clinical trials (PsAID-9). The PsAID questionnaires should allow better assessment of the patient's perspective in PsA. Further validation is needed.

Introduction: The introduction of therapy with tumor necrosis factor antagonists (aTNF) was a cornerstone of treatment modalities in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). After > 10 years of using aTNF, the introduction of aTNF therapy was a major step forward in the medical management of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), but there are still a number of scientific questions that have not been resolved., Areas Covered: This review includes both subtypes of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), non-radiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA), and AS. It covers all five aTNF adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, and infliximab, which are approved for patients with active AS., Expert Opinion: aTNF are efficacious and effective in reducing signs and symptoms of patients with axSpA. While aTNF reduce spinal inflammation, the effects on new bone formation are less clear. There may be a deceleration of radiographic progression in 4 years. The development of fatty lesions in vertebral edges seems to be relevant for that - especially when inflammation also persists. Reduction of aTNF doses seems to be possible in selected patients over time. In case of failure, switching to another aTNF works in the majority of cases. Long-term data suggest a favorable safety profile of aTNF.

The new term axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) includes classic ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic (nr-) axSpA. The definition was introduced in 2009 as part of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axSpA, where-apart from chronic back pain starting before the age of 45 years and the presence of HLA-B27-magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bone marrow edema of the sacroiliac joints (osteomyelitis) or structural changes on x-rays may play an important role. These criteria can also be used for diagnosis. A major advantage of the new criteria is the identification of patients in early disease stages. In addition to physical therapy, drug treatment with steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and biologics [blocker of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)] have all been shown to be effective, while conventional disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) such as sulfasalazine and methotrexate seem to work mainly for peripheral arthritis but not for enthesitis. Biologics are indicated when NSAIDs in optimal dosage have failed. Both these drugs have the potential to improve pain, stiffness, and function but they may also have an influence on new bone formation (syndesmophytes). NSAIDs need to be given continuously and biologics for longer periods of time. Patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels benefit most when treated consequently.

Objectives: The combination of clinical items suggestive of inflammatory back pain has proved useful for early identification of patients with axial SpA (axSpA) in primary care. However, whether HLA B27 contributes to that is unclear, and published recommendations have advised against it. In this study, we reanalysed data of that trial in relation to the HLA B27 results., Methods: Consecutive patients <45 years old (n = 950) with back pain (BP) >2 months presenting to 143 orthopaedists were referred to 36 rheumatologists who made the diagnosis. The predictive value of HLA B27 (n = 298) alone and in combination, including modelling and a two-step strategy, was calculated., Results: Among all patients (mean age 36 years, 52% female, median duration of BP 32 months), 107 had axSpA (36%). Using a simple model, HLA B27 alone performed better than all combinations of clinical items and adding it did not improve likelihood ratios (LRs). Using modelling, two-phase strategies were analysed. Additional items were only relevant in the HLA B27-negative group: improvement by movement, buttock pain and psoriasis. Combining this information revealed the presumably best strategy to predict axSpA in primary care: more than one of these items or HLA B27 need to be present (sensitivity 80.4%, specificity 75.4%, LR+ 3.27 and LR- 0.26)., Conclusion: This is the first study to show that patients with axSpA are more reliably identified in primary care by a strategy that includes HLA B27. Because of the two-step approach, the test needs to be performed in only about half of patients with chronic BP.

Remission or low disease activity is achievable in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), and remission has been defined as one of the main targets in treating patients with axial SpA. However, it is unclear what actions should be taken once remission has occurred. Very little data are available concerning the effect of TNF inhibitors (TNFi) dosage adjustment or on withdrawal strategies in patients with axial SpA and/or in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Most issues relating to withdrawal of treatment in patients who are in remission cannot be addressed with traditional randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCT). Facing these challenges, there is a need for conducting trials with an innovative trial design to reflect real-life practice. Possible strategies upon remission include continuation, dose reduction or withdrawal of the effective therapy. Future scenarios should recognise heterogeneity in patients with axial SpA, which makes it questionable whether different trial designs will be applicable for the whole group of axial SpA. Several questions should be addressed before conducting a trial to study remission in patients with axial SpA: definition of remission (clinical and/or imaging remission), duration of remission as a defining inclusion criterion, predictors of remission, definition of subgroups (e.g. TNFi naïve patients or patients who will most likely remain in remission), when to restart and finally dose-adjustment after restart of the therapy.

Treatment of patients suffering from active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with TNFα blockers, has been shown to result in clinically significant improvement of signs and symptoms of the disease. Long-term extension studies with these agents have shown sustained clinical efficacy for up to 10 years in patients who continued treatment. However, only a few studies have examined whether reduction of dosage of discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy is possible. In daily clinical practice, prolongation of treatment intervals is frequently tried in patients who are in clinical remission for longer periods of time, but no data on the success of that are available. Discontinuation of treatment is usually needed in patients who want to become pregnant, and in patients with severe infections. This review summarises what is known on the topic of discontinuation of biologic treatment in patients with AS.

The ASAS/EULAR recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis have been updated in 2010. The recommendations have been extended from 10 to 11 recommendations and 4 superior principles have been introduced based on the level of evidence and expert knowledge. The recommendations have been translated into German and have been evaluated by 25 experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The experts scored the strength of the recommendations (SOR) on an 11 point numerical rating scale (from 0 = no agreement to 10 = total agreement). With a mean score of 9.6 ± 1.05 the SOR was generally very good.

The ASAS recommendations on the use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors for patients with axial spondyloarthritis were amended in 2010. Essential new aspects have been included in the update. The diagnosis is extended from patients with ankylosing spondlitis (AS) to all patient groups of axial spondyloarthritis. Pretreatment with at least two non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSARD) for 4 weeks is recommended. The success of therapy with TNF inhibitors is to be compiled after at least 12 weeks.This article presents the results of the evaluation of the German translation of these recommendations. A total of 25 experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland have scored the translation on a scale between 0 (no agreement) and 10 (full agreement) with respect to the recommendation grade. The agreement on the recommendations between the experts was very high (8.98 ± 1.25).

Objective: Patients with axial spondylarthritis (SpA) who have structural changes in the sacroiliac joints and/or the spine have been classified as having ankylosing spondylitis (AS), while those without such changes are now classified as having nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA). The differentiating features are incompletely understood., Methods: Data from 100 consecutive patients with axial SpA not treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonists were compared clinically and with laboratory parameters, spinal radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. Standardized clinical assessment tools were used to assess health status., Results: AS was diagnosed in 56 patients and nr-axSpA in 44 patients. Signs of inflammation were significantly higher in patients with AS than in patients with nr-axSpA, with a median C-reactive protein level of 8.0 versus 3.8 mg/liter, a median Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score of 2.2 versus 2.8, respectively, and a median amount of spinal inflammatory lesions on MRI of 2.0 versus 0.0, respectively. Significant differences between these 2 groups were seen in sex (76.8% male AS patients versus 31.8% male nr-axSpA patients). Clinical variables did not differ between patients with AS and nr-axSpA (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life questionnaire, Short Form 36 health survey)., Conclusion: Patients with nr-axSpA were characterized by the low proportion of male patients and the low burden of inflammation compared to patients with AS. While both groups did not differ regarding health status, disease activity, and physical function, they did differ in signs of inflammation; all were higher in patients with AS. Since many patients with nr-axSpA had not developed structural changes after years of symptoms, we propose that those patients should not be regarded as having preradiographic AS but rather as having nr-axSpA., (Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

The characteristic features of spondyloarthritis are inflammation in the axial skeleton (sacroiliitis, spondylitis) and inflammation in peripheral joints (arthritis) and entheses (enthesitis). According to the leading clinical symptom SpA is today differentiated in the either predominant axial or the peripheral form. The axial SpA are further subdivided in ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial SpA. This subset is characterized by the absence of structural changes on conventional x-rays. In this review we describe the clinical symptoms, the diagnosis and therapy of patients with axial SpA., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: The threshold for disease activity required to start antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy has been arbitrarily set in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) at Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4. How this relates to spinal inflammation is unknown., Objective: To systematically compare the clinical, laboratory and imaging data of patients with axSpA with respect to their BASDAI level., Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients with axSpA who had never been treated with TNF blockers were included. Laboratory parameters, spinal MRI and x-rays were quantified. Data were stratified according to BASDAI ≥ 4., Results: 44 patients were diagnosed as non-radiographic axSpA (nraxSpA) and 56 patients as ankylosing spondylitis (AS): median age 40.3 ± 10.4 years; 57% male, mean disease duration since diagnosis 6.4 ± 8.4 years, 88% HLA-B27+, mean modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score 8.3 ± 16.4. 60% of patients had spinal inflammation by MRI. The stratification based on BASDAI ≥ 4 disclosed significant differences in most clinical parameters but not for inflammation: patients with nraxSpA and BASDAI < 4 versus ≥ 4 had 0.9 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 0.6 inflammatory lesions/patient, respectively (p=0.6), while patients with AS had 3.6 ± 3.7 and 2.7 ± 3.0 inflammatory lesions/patient, respectively (p=0.4)., Conclusion: The burden of inflammation is quite comparable in patients with axSpA-regardless of disease activity. These data clearly challenge the concept of the recommended cut-off point of BASDAI ≥ 4.

Purpose of Review: Axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) - including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - is a frequent chronic inflammatory disease that affects mainly the axial skeleton. There is evidence that NSAIDs and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α blockers are efficacious, but not all patients achieve remission or a major clinical response. A variety of new drug classes have been investigated during the last years for the treatment of patients with AS in whom TNF blockers have failed or are contraindicated., Recent Findings: Data for abatacept, anakinra, apremilast, bisphosphonates, rituximab, secukinumab, sulfasalazine, thalidomide and tocilizumab were found. All studies had problems with design and methodology., Summary: Although some trends for efficacy were seen, there is at present insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for any of these compounds. So far, none of these new drugs has been shown to reach response rates compared to TNF-blockers.

This review presents data on morbidity and mortality in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Morbidity in patients with SpA is mainly determined by impairment of function and development of structural lesions. The course of illness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is influenced by comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and fractures of the spine and in patients with psoriatic arthritis by peripheral joint manifestations. The mortality of patients with SpA has probably not increased but exact data are lacking. Approximately one third of AS patients will develop a severe disease state in which the mortality rate is increased by 50%.

This first update of the ASAS/EULAR recommendations on the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is based on the original paper, a systematic review of existing recommendations and the literature since 2005 and the discussion and agreement among 21 international experts, 2 patients and 2 physiotherapists in a meeting in February 2010. Each original bullet point was discussed in detail and reworded if necessary. Decisions on new recommendations were made - if necessary after voting. The strength of the recommendations (SOR) was scored on an 11-point numerical rating scale after the meeting by email. These recommendations apply to patients of all ages that fulfill the modified NY criteria for AS, independent of extra-articular manifestations, and they take into account all drug and non-drug interventions related to AS. Four overarching principles were introduced, implying that one bullet has been moved to this section. There are now 11 bullet points including 2 new ones, one related to extra-articular manifestations and one to changes in the disease course. With a mean score of 9.1 (range 8-10) the SOR was generally very good.

Objectives: The impact of disease on functioning is the essential information for clinicians when reporting on health problems of individuals. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a comprehensive and universally accepted model to classify and describe functioning, disability and health in a systematic way. The objective of this article is to outline the development and validation of a health index for patients with AS based on the ICF as a use case., Methods: The project is a combined effort of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society, the ICF Research Branch of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaboration Centre of the Family of International Classifications and the WHO. There are five steps in the development and validation of the health index for patients with AS: (i) development of an item pool; (ii) identification of candidate items; (iii) item selection; (iv) item reduction; and (v) creation of a final version. Consensus about items that have to be part will be reached in a final consensus conference., Results: During a meeting in February 2009, we coordinated the development process of the health index for patients with AS. The results of this investigation will be the health index for patients with AS., Conclusion: The goal of developing a health index for patients with AS based on the ICF is very much in line with the broader goal of the WHO to define health indices to ensure the comparability of them within the framework of the ICF.

Sarcoidosis may present with symptoms related to involvement of joints, skin and lungs, as well as other organs. Corticosteroids are the basis of treatment of symptomatic sarcoidosis. Additional or alternative drugs may be required in chronic cases and when systemic corticosteroids are contraindicated. Cytotoxic agents seem to be of value in selected patients, but no controlled studies are available, and the published literature consists of small case series. Therefore, no international agreement exists regarding when these drugs should be used in patients with sarcoidosis. Methotrexate is generally the preferred agent for treatment of chronic sarcoidosis when corticosteroids have inadequate efficacy and/or severe adverse effects. In this review we discuss the available literature concerning the treatment of sarcoidosis with methotrexate.

The evidence-based recommendations on the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have enjoyed a high level of acceptance and circulation in Germany, as well as in other European countries. To make patient participation in the decision-making process regarding their disease easier, as well as to strengthen the physician-patient relationship, the ASAS and EULAR have set up an initiative to formulate a patient-friendly version of the recommendations, initially in English. In order that this lay version can also be used in German-speaking countries, a group predominantly comprising patients was formed to ensure that the German translation of this version has the broadest possible basis. In cooperation with the German (DVMB), Austrian (OVMB) and Swiss Morbus Bechterew Associations (SVMB), as well as the German Rheumatology League, patients from Germany, Austria and Switzerland with appropriate English skills were invited to a meeting in 2008. The aim of the translation was to leave the content unchanged while finding a level of speech easily understandable to the lay person. The translated text was considered as accepted when a minimum of 12 patients (>80%) gave their approval on the wording of the translation of individual recommendations in an open vote. The rheumatologist given the function of moderator was not entitled to vote. The level of approval for each recommendation was determined (0: no approval to 10: full approval). The 14 patients were able to translate the English patient version into German. Choice of words and style of speech were discussed intensively. Acceptance of the translation of the 10 recommendations was generally high. The content was clearly accepted with an approval rate of 8.4+/-1.6. This was the first time that patients, in cooperation with rheumatologists, have translated an international patient version on AS management into German under controlled conditions. The translation text was approved by the majority in terms of both form and content. Acceptance and circulation of the German patient version should be evaluated in the near future.

Background: The ASAS/EULAR (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society/European League Against Rheumatism) recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been developed by rheumatologists for a target population of health professionals., Objective: To extend the cooperation between ASAS and EULAR by translating the recommendations into a language that can be easily understood by patients in order to further disseminate and evaluate the recommendations., Methods: In cooperation with patient organisations 18 patients with AS (17 European, one Canadian) were invited to attend a meeting in February 2008. As a starting point the original publication and a version created by Canadian patients with AS were used. To improve the understanding of potential problems, data on the evaluation of a recent German translation were presented. After intensive discussions the wording was adjusted and a vote was held on the new wording of the recommendations aiming for >80% agreement on each sentence. Finally, patients were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the content of the recommendations., Results: Ten recommendations were successfully translated into a patient-understandable version. The original text was changed in most cases. In all but one case (recommendation No 4) there was broad agreement with the proposed translation. The overall agreement with the content of the recommendations was high: 8.7 (0.6)., Conclusion: For the first time, EULAR recommendations were successfully converted into a patient-understandable language version by a large international group of patients in collaboration with rheumatologists. The evaluation showed broad agreement. Translations into different languages and further dissemination in individual countries will be performed.

In this review the influence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on a wide range of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains will be described. The domains most frequently studied are pain, functional disability, fatigue and mental problems. In addition, age and socio-economic aspects such as employment and economic status as well as education affect patient-reported HRQoL.Although many studies have assessed the impact on HRQoL of a single disease state, either RA or AS, few studies have focused on a direct comparison between those both diagnostic groups. In general, patients with RA and AS report significant decrements in HRQoL in comparison with the general population. It has been shown that the magnitude of the impairment is similar among both patients group.

On the initiative of the ASAS (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society) and EULAR (European League against Rheumatism), evidence-based recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were drawn up, with healthcare professionals as the target group for these recommendations. To facilitate patient participation in the decision-making process with regard to their disease, and to further improve the doctor-patient relationship, the ASAS and EULAR are working on a patient-friendly version of the recommendations.In order to establish to what extent the ASAS/EULAR recommendations, as translated by German experts, can be understood by patients, the recommendations for health care professionals, together with an evaluation form, was distributed to 105 delegates of the German society for ankylosing spondylitis (Deutschen Vereinigung Morbus Bechterew, DVMB). Responders were questioned on text comprehension and their level of agreement (0: not agree at all to 10: fully agree). Space was also provided for additional comments.In total, 59 delegates filled out the questionnaire (rate of return: 56.2%). For recommendation Nos. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7, text comprehension was moderate. On average, the recommendations were positively assessed with 8.38+/-1.9. Recommendation No. 4 (non-pharmacological therapy) was given the highest agreement (9.54+/-1.02), while recommendation No. 7 (corticosteroids, 6.54+/-2.55) received the lowest agreement. The acceptance of the recommendation was high with 87.9% questions answered.For the first time, the German expert translation of recommendations for the management of AS patients was evaluated by patients. The present translation met with broad approval. To minimize text comprehension problems, patients should be involved in compiling a future patient version.

Objectives: NSAID-induced gastroduodenal lesions are a frequent and potentially serious health problem in patients with rheumatic diseases. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has also been recognized as a major risk factor for the development of ulcer disease. However, the role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of NSAID-induced gastroduodenal lesions has remained controversial, and there is currently no clear consensus on the management of NSAID users who are infected with H. pylori., Methods: To clarify this situation we have performed a systematic literature search to find randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of eradication in patients receiving NSAIDs to prevent ulcer development., Results: Seven randomized controlled trials and one meta-analysis were identified. There were three papers on NSAID-naive patients. According to this data, NSAID-naive users benefit from testing for H. pylori infection and subsequent H. pylori eradication therapy prior to the initiation of NSAID. In contrast, H. pylori eradication alone does not protect chronic NSAID users with recent ulcer complications from further gastrointestinal (GI) events. To prevent recurrent ulcer bleeding long-term acid suppressive therapy is needed., Conclusions: In conclusion, ulcer risk reduction after H. pylori eradication therapy is clearly more marked in patients beginning NSAID therapy than in patients who were already receiving and tolerating NSAID therapy. Thus, the management of H. pylori infection and the prevention of GI complications in NSAID users need to be individualized on the basis of recently published data.