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[Clinical features of ankylosing spondylitis--epidemiologic study]
1Klinika za fizikalnu medicinu, rehabilitaciju i reumatologiju, Klinicka bolnica Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb.
Reumatizam
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study surveyed ankylosing spondylitis patients, finding stiffness and pain are primary symptoms. Many experienced delayed diagnosis and prolonged disease duration, highlighting the need for early intervention in managing this chronic condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Understanding its clinical features is crucial for patient management.
- Epidemiological studies provide valuable insights into disease prevalence and characteristics.
Purpose:
- To determine the clinical features of ankylosing spondylitis through an epidemiological study.
- To analyze symptom onset, duration, and extra-articular manifestations in AS patients.
Summary:
- A mailed questionnaire study of 92 ankylosing spondylitis patients revealed a mean age of 51.6 years, with most diagnosed over 15 years ago.
- Key symptoms include stiffness and pain, often worsening with activity or rest. Hips and shoulders were most affected joints.
- Eye inflammation (63%) and enterocolitis (16%) were common extra-articular features, with diagnosis delayed by an average of 6.5 years.
Impact:
- Findings highlight significant diagnostic delays and long disease duration in ankylosing spondylitis patients.
- Identifies key clinical features and common extra-articular manifestations for better patient care.
- Emphasizes the need for improved early diagnosis and management strategies for ankylosing spondylitis.