Smoking and outcome in ankylosing spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Clinical Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Smoking is linked to psoriasis and ulcerative colitis.
• These conditions are associated with seronegative spondyloarthritis.
• The impact of smoking on ankylosing spondylitis outcomes requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of smoking on the long-term outcome of ankylosing spondylitis.
• To compare clinical, radiological, and functional assessments between smokers and non-smokers with ankylosing spondylitis.

Main Methods:

• Studied 53 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (31 non-smokers, 12 ex-smokers, 10 smokers).
• Assessed clinical parameters: modified Schober, finger floor distance, total spinal movement, occiput-wall distance.
• Evaluated functional index, stiffness, laboratory markers (ESR, CRP, Igs), and lumbar spine X-ray scores.

Main Results:

• Smokers showed statistically significant poorer outcomes in finger floor distance, Schober test, total spinal movement, occiput-wall distance, functional index, stiffness, and spine X-ray scores compared to non-smokers.
• No significant differences were observed in disease duration or age at onset between groups.
• These findings highlight a strong association between smoking and adverse disease progression.

Conclusions:

• Smoking is associated with poor long-term outcomes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
• The detrimental effects of smoking manifest in reduced spinal mobility and increased radiographic damage.
• Quitting smoking may be crucial for improving the prognosis of ankylosing spondylitis.