Radiographic progression in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Radiographic progression in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2018 May 18;: Authors: Protopopov M, Poddubnyy D Abstract INTRODUCTION: Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) represents a subtype of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with no significant structural damage in sacroiliac joints and spine. Despite that, patients with nr-axSpA demonstrate a substantial burden of illness, and a considerable share of them might progress to radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) over time. The amount and quality of published data allows crude estimation of progression rate and factors related to a higher risk of progression. Areas covered: This review discusses the available data reporting the rates and predictors of radiographic progression in the sacroiliac joints and in the spine in patients with nr-axSpA as well as predisposing factors for such a progression. Expert commentary: Most of the studies report about 10% to 40% of patients with nr-axSpA to progress to r-axSpA over a period of two to ten years. Multiple risk factors for the radiographic sacroiliitis progression are outlined and explored. There is not enough data to presume that any treatment modality may influence progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA, with TNFi showing some promising results. Radiographic progression in the spine is in general low in nr-axSpA; thus, long- term studies are required to investigate the natural course of the progressio...
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: Expert Rev Clin Immunol Source Type: research