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Work disability in ankylosing spondylitis: differences among working and work-disabled patients
Engin Cakar1, Mehmet Ali Taskaynatan, Umit Dincer
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. drecakar@yahoo.com
Clinical Rheumatology
|August 18, 2009
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis significantly impacts work, with many patients experiencing job changes or early retirement. Factors like disease onset, duration, and physical impairments contribute to work disability in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Occupational Health
- Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the axial skeleton.
- Work disability is a significant consequence of AS, yet its full burden remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate work disability among male patients with ankylosing spondylitis in national service.
- To identify factors associated with work disability and compare disabled and non-disabled groups.
Main Methods:
- A study included 121 male AS patients.
- Data collected on demographics, disease duration, employment status, disability, functionality, spinal mobility, quality of life, and depression.
- Statistical analysis identified significant differences between disabled and non-disabled groups.
Main Results:
- 24% of AS patients retired early, with a mean retirement age of 36.
- Work disability was linked to earlier disease onset, longer diagnosis time, higher CRP levels, and hip/spinal involvement.
- Reduced spinal mobility and hip involvement were more frequent in the work-disabled group.
Conclusions:
- Ankylosing spondylitis frequently leads to work disability, including job modification and early retirement.
- Factors such as disease progression, inflammation (CRP), and physical limitations (spinal mobility, hip involvement) are key predictors of work disability in AS patients.
