The Link Between Quality of Life and Economic Issues in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder which mainly involves the axial skeleton. The most important clinical features are: inflammatory back pain and peripheral joint involvement, but extra-articular manifestations that occur most often in the eyes, heart and lungs may also be present. Joint stiffness, pain and a progressive loss of spinal mobility can lead to severe functional limitations with subsequent negative impact on patients' quality of life. These symptoms can interfere not only with physical health, but also with social life and psychological wellbeing. Many studies took into consideration these aspects and tried to analyze the relationship between disease activity, functional impairment, work ability, interpersonal relationships and total costs of this debilitating disease. After many years of studying, the authors concluded that AS has a socio-economic impact on patients, society and healthcare system.