[Socio-medical consequences of patients with Bechterew's disease in Denmark]

During the period 1972-1985, 179 patients with Bechterew's disease replied to a questionnaire based on the age at commencement of the disease, treatment and the patient's experience of this and the working capacity related to the duration of the disease inter alii. The distribution of patients who were capable of working was constant regardless of the duration of the disease. 40% were completely fit for work, 35% partially fit for work and 25% were unfit for work. 63% sought alternative forms of treatment which were without clinical effect. Regular training and employment of non-steroid, anti-inflammatory agents resulted in clinical improvement. During the latest five years of the period of investigation, a tendency was observed for reduction in the delay in establishing the diagnosis. Despite early onset and varying clinical course, the prognosis in patients with Bechterew's disease is good.