New study highlights key quality of life factors for ankylosing spondylitis

A new study has shed light on some of the most prevalent modifiable factors that predict a poor quality of life in people withankylosing spondylitis. Moreover, the University of Aberdeen research indicated that some of these factors - which include pain,fatigue and poor physical function - are currently better monitored than others, suggesting new approaches to treating this painful condition may be needed. The most important predictors for poor quality of life The study analysed data from 959 patients involved in the Scotland Registry for Ankylosing Spondylitis, which collected clinical and patient-reported data on ankylosing spondylitis from across Scotland. A total of five factors were identified as independent predictors of a poor quality of life among patients: moderate to severe fatigue, poor physical function, chronic widespread pain, high disease activity and poor spinal mobility. Physical function is generally monitored using a tool called the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), while the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) is used to measure disease activity, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) is used to assess spinal mobility. However, this leaves two factors - chronic widespreadpain and fatigue - that do not receive the same attention. New focus needed on pain and fatigue It was suggested that the nonspecific nature of these symptoms may explain why they are not traditionally monitored in ankylosin...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news