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Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the axial skeleton, although it can affect peripheral joints, and extra-musculoskeletal manifestations also occur. Historically, axSpA was thought to be a disease predominantly seen in men, although with the advent of magnetic resonance imaging techniques and advances in research, this dogma has been challenged and refuted. Sex and gender are different concepts, and both can have a role in disease. In axSpA, consideration of the influence of sex and gender on the disease phenotype is necessary to predict outcomes and to enable the development of therapeutic approaches that are best suited to individual patients.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the axial skeleton, especially the sacroiliac joints and spine. This results in chronic back pain and, in extreme cases, ankylosis of the spine. Despite its debilitating effects, the pathogenesis of AS remains to be further elucidated. This study used single cell CITE-seq technology to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in AS and in healthy controls. We identified a number of molecular features associated with AS. CD52 was found to be overexpressed in both RNA and surface protein expression across several cell types in patients with AS. CD16+ monocytes overexpressed TNFSF10 and IL-18Rα in AS, while CD8+ TEM cells and natural killer cells overexpressed genes linked with cytotoxicity, including GZMH, GZMB, and NKG7. Tregs underexpressed CD39 in AS, suggesting reduced functionality. We identified an overrepresented NK cell subset in AS that overexpressed CD16, CD161, and CD38, as well as cytotoxic genes and pathways. Finally, we developed machine learning models derived from CITE-seq data for the classification of AS and achieved an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve of > 0.95. In summary, CITE-seq identification of AS-associated genes and surface proteins in specific cell subsets informs our understanding of pathogenesis and potential new therapeutic targets, while providing new approaches for diagnosis via machine learning.

ObjectiveNonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase blood pressure and potentially cardiovascular burden, which may limit their use in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our objective was to determine the association of NSAID use with incident hypertension in a longitudinal AS cohort.MethodsAdults with AS were enrolled in a prospective cohort study of patient outcomes and examined every 4-6 months. Hypertension was defined by patient-reported hypertension; antihypertensive medication use; or, on 2 consecutive visits, systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. Continuous NSAID use was dichotomized based on the validated NSAID index. We assessed the association of NSAID use as a time-varying exposure with the incidence of hypertension using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsOf the 1,282 patients in the cohort, 628 patients without baseline hypertension had at least 1 year of follow-up and were included in the analysis. Of these, 72% were male, the mean age at baseline was 39 ± 13 years, and 200 patients used NSAIDs continuously. On follow-up, 129 developed incident hypertension. After controlling for other variables, continuous NSAID use was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.12 for incident hypertension (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.20), compared to noncontinuous or no use. The association did not differ in subgroups defined by age, body mass index, biologic use, or disease activity.ConclusionIn our prospective, longitudinal AS cohort, continuous NSAID use was associated with a 12% increased risk for the development of incident hypertension, as compared to noncontinuous or no NSAID use.

Evaluating the association between diseases and the longitudinal pattern of pharmacological therapy has become increasingly important. However, in many longitudinal studies, self-reported medication usage data collected at patients' follow-up visits could be missing for various reasons. These pieces of missing or inaccurate/untenable information complicate determining the trajectory of medication use and its complete effects for patients. Although longitudinal models can deal with specific types of missing data, inappropriate handling of this issue can lead to a biased estimation of regression parameters especially when missing data mechanisms are complex and depend upon multiple sources of variation. We propose a latent class-based multiple imputation (MI) approach using a Bayesian quantile regression (BQR) that incorporates cluster of unobserved heterogeneity for medication usage data with intermittent missing values. Findings from our simulation study indicate that the proposed method performs better than traditional MI methods under certain scenarios of data distribution. We also demonstrate applications of the proposed method to data from the Prospective Study of Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) cohort when assessing an association between longitudinal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage and radiographic damage in AS, while the longitudinal NSAID index data are intermittently missing.

BackgroundPatients with spondyloarthritis with radiographic sacroiliitis are traditionally classified according to the modified New York (mNY) criteria as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and more recently according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA).ObjectiveTo investigate the agreement between the mNY criteria for AS and the ASAS criteria for r-axSpA and reasons for disagreement.MethodsPatients with back pain ≥3 months diagnosed as axSpA with radiographic sacroiliitis (mNY radiographic criterion) were selected from eight cohorts (ASAS, Esperanza, GESPIC, OASIS, Reuma.pt, SCQM, SPACE, UCSF). Subsequently, we calculated the percentage of patients who fulfilled the ASAS r-axSpA criteria within the group of patients who fulfilled the mNY criteria and vice versa in six cohorts with complete information.ResultsOf the 3882 patients fulfilling the mNY criteria, 93% also fulfilled the ASAS r-axSpA criteria. Inversely, of the 3434 patients fulfilling the ASAS r-axSpA criteria, 96% also fulfilled the mNY criteria. The main cause for discrepancy between the two criteria sets was the reported age at onset of back pain.ConclusionAlmost all patients with axSpA with radiographic sacroiliitis fulfil both ASAS and mNY criteria, which supports the interchangeable use of the terms AS and r-axSpA.

ObjectiveTo update evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).MethodsWe conducted updated systematic literature reviews for 20 clinical questions on pharmacologic treatment addressed in the 2015 guidelines, and for 26 new questions on pharmacologic treatment, treat-to-target strategy, and use of imaging. New questions addressed the use of secukinumab, ixekizumab, tofacitinib, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biosimilars, and biologic tapering/discontinuation, among others. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations and required at least 70% agreement among the voting panel.ResultsRecommendations for AS and nonradiographic axial SpA are similar. TNFi are recommended over secukinumab or ixekizumab as the first biologic to be used. Secukinumab or ixekizumab is recommended over the use of a second TNFi in patients with primary nonresponse to the first TNFi. TNFi, secukinumab, and ixekizumab are favored over tofacitinib. Co-administration of low-dose methotrexate with TNFi is not recommended, nor is a strict treat-to-target strategy or discontinuation or tapering of biologics in patients with stable disease. Sulfasalazine is recommended only for persistent peripheral arthritis when TNFi are contraindicated. For patients with unclear disease activity, spine or pelvis magnetic resonance imaging could aid assessment. Routine monitoring of radiographic changes with serial spine radiographs is not recommended.ConclusionThese recommendations provide updated guidance regarding use of new medications and imaging of the axial skeleton in the management of AS and nonradiographic axial SpA.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in 3 randomized, placebo-controlled studies in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Studies 1 and 2 included patients with radiographic axial SpA (anti-tumor necrosis factor [anti-TNF]-naive patients and patients with inadequate response or intolerance to anti-TNF, respectively); study 3 patients had nonradiographic axial SpA.MethodsIn all 3 studies, patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous ustekinumab at 45 mg or 90 mg or placebo up to 24 weeks, after which placebo-treated patients were rerandomized to receive ustekinumab at 45 mg or 90 mg. The primary end point in studies 1 and 2 was the proportion of patients who met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria for 40% improvement in disease activity (achieved an ASAS40 response). The primary end point in study 3 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ASAS20 response. Other disease activity and safety measures were also evaluated. A week 24 analysis of study 1 was preplanned to determine continuation of studies 2 and 3.ResultsFor study 1, the primary and major secondary end points were not met, and the study was discontinued. As a result, studies 2 and 3 were prematurely discontinued before they were fully enrolled. For all 3 studies, neither ustekinumab dose group demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement over placebo on key efficacy end points. The proportion of patients experiencing adverse events in the ustekinumab groups was consistent with that in previous studies.ConclusionIn these 3 placebo-controlled trials, efficacy of ustekinumab in the treatment of axial SpA was not demonstrated. The safety profile was consistent with that of studies in other indications.

ObjectiveTo examine associations of HLA class I and class II alleles with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in three cohorts of patients of European, Asian and African ancestry.MethodsHLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 alleles were genotyped in 1948 unrelated white and 67 African-American patients with AS from the Prospective Study of Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort, the North American Spondylitis Consortium and Australo-Anglo-American Spondyloarthritis Consortium, 990 white and 245 African-American Controls and HLA-B alleles in 442 Han Chinese patients with AS and 346 controls from Shanghai and Gansu, China. In addition to the case:control analyses, HLA-B*27-negative patients with AS were analysed separately, and logistic regression and 'relative predispositional effects' (RPE) analyses were carried out to control for the major effect of HLA-B*27 on disease susceptibility.ResultsAlthough numerous associations were seen between HLA alleles and AS in whites, among HLA-B*27-negative patients with AS , positive associations were seen with HLA-A*29, B*38, B*49, B*52, DRB1*11 and DPB1*03:01 and negative associations with HLA-B*07, HLA-B*57, HLA-DRB1*15:01, HLA-DQB1*02:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:02. Additional associations with HLA-B*14 and B*40 (B60) were observed via RPE analysis, which excludes the HLA-B*27 alleles. The increased frequency of HLA-B*40:01 and decreased frequency of HLA-B*07 was also seen in Han Chinese and African-Americans with AS. HLA-B*08 was decreased in whites with acute anterior uveitis.ConclusionsThese data, analysing the largest number of patients with AS examined to date in three ethnic groups, confirm that other HLA class I and II alleles other than HLA-B*27 to be operative in AS predisposition.

BackgroundAt present, biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the only treatment recommended for patients with ankylosing spondylitis who have not responded to first-line treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The TORTUGA trial investigated the efficacy and safety of filgotinib, an oral selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.MethodsIn this completed, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, we enrolled adult patients from 30 sites in seven countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine). Eligible patients had active ankylosing spondylitis and an inadequate response or intolerance to two or more NSAIDs. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) with an interactive web-based response system to receive filgotinib 200 mg or placebo orally once daily for 12 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by current use of conventional synthetic DMARDs and previous receipt of anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy. The patients, study team, and study sponsor were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS) at week 12, which was assessed in the full analysis set (ie, all randomised patients who received at least one dose of study drug). Safety was assessed according to actual treatment received. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03117270.FindingsBetween March 7, 2017, and July 2, 2018, 263 patients were screened and 116 randomly assigned to filgotinib (n=58) or placebo (n=58). 55 (95%) patients in the filgotinib group and 52 (90%) in the placebo group completed the study; three (5%) patients in the filgotinib group and six (10%) in the placebo group discontinued treatment. The mean ASDAS change from baseline to week 12 was -1·47 (SD 1·04) in the filgotinib group and -0·57 (0·82) in the placebo group, with a least squares mean difference between groups of -0·85 (95% CI -1·17 to -0·53; p

OBJECTIVE:Opioid analgesics may be prescribed to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with pain that is unresponsive to antirheumatic treatment. Our study assessed factors associated with opioid usage in AS. METHODS:A prospective cohort of 706 patients with AS meeting modified New York criteria followed at least 2 years underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation of disease activity and functional impairment. These were assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Radiographic severity was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index and modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Scoring System. Medications taken concurrently with opioids, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were determined at each study visit, performed every 6 months. Analyses were carried out at baseline, and longitudinal multivariable models were developed to identify factors independently associated with chronic and intermittent opioid usage over time. RESULTS:Factors significantly associated with opioid usage, especially chronic opioid use, included longer disease duration, smoking, lack of exercise, higher disease activity (BASDAI) and functional impairment (BASFI), depression, radiographic severity, and cardiovascular disease. Patients taking opioids were more likely to be using anxiolytic, hypnotic, antidepressant, and muscle relaxant medications. Multivariable analysis underscored the association with smoking, older age, antitumor necrosis factor agent use, and psychoactive drugs, as well as with subjective but not objective determinants of disease activity. CONCLUSION:Opioid usage was more likely to be associated with subjective measures (depression, BASDAI, BASFI) than objective measures (CRP, ESR), suggesting that pain in AS may derive from sources other than spinal inflammation alone.

Therapeutic targets have been defined for axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) in 2012, but the evidence for these recommendations was only of indirect nature. These recommendations were re-evaluated in light of new insights. Based on the results of a systematic literature review and expert opinion, a task force of rheumatologists, dermatologists, patients and a health professional developed an update of the 2012 recommendations. These underwent intensive discussions, on site voting and subsequent anonymous electronic voting on levels of agreement with each item. A set of 5 overarching principles and 11 recommendations were developed and voted on. Some items were present in the previous recommendations, while others were significantly changed or newly formulated. The 2017 task force arrived at a single set of recommendations for axial and peripheral SpA, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The most exhaustive discussions related to whether PsA should be assessed using unidimensional composite scores for its different domains or multidimensional scores that comprise multiple domains. This question was not resolved and constitutes an important research agenda. There was broad agreement, now better supported by data than in 2012, that remission/inactive disease and, alternatively, low/minimal disease activity are the principal targets for the treatment of PsA. As instruments to assess the patients on the path to the target, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) for axial SpA and the Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) for PsA were recommended, although not supported by all. Shared decision-making between the clinician and the patient was seen as pivotal to the process. The task force defined the treatment target for SpA as remission or low disease activity and developed a large research agenda to further advance the field.

The purpose of this study is to compare disease severity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in three ethnic groups. We assessed 925 AS patients (57 Blacks, 805 Whites, 63 Latinos) enrolled in the longitudinal Prospective Study of Outcomes in AS (PSOAS) for functional impairment, disease activity, and radiographic severity. Comparisons of clinical characteristics and HLA-B27 frequency for each group were performed, in two multivariable regression models, we compared the baseline Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiographic Index (BASRI) and modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) by ethnicity, adjusting for covariates. Blacks had greater functional impairment (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index) (median 62.5 vs. 27.8 in Whites and 38.1 in Latinos; p

ObjectiveLittle data exist regarding mortality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We assessed diagnoses associated with in-hospital mortality in AS using a population-based inpatient data set.MethodsData were abstracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2007 and 2011. We identified AS admissions using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 720.0. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between top diagnoses and in-hospital mortality. We performed a secondary analysis from the same years in all patients (with and without AS) with cervical spine (C-spine) fracture to determine whether AS was an independent risk factor for mortality.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2011, we identified 12,484 admissions and 267 deaths in AS patients. C-spine fracture with spinal cord injury and sepsis had the highest odds of death, with odds ratios (ORs) of 13.43 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 8.00-22.55, P

ObjectiveTo provide evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).MethodsA core group led the development of the recommendations, starting with the treatment questions. A literature review group conducted systematic literature reviews of studies that addressed 57 specific treatment questions, based on searches conducted in OVID Medline (1946-2014), PubMed (1966-2014), and the Cochrane Library. We assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method. A separate voting group reviewed the evidence and voted on recommendations for each question using the GRADE framework.ResultsIn patients with active AS, the strong recommendations included use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) when activity persists despite NSAID treatment, not to use systemic glucocorticoids, use of physical therapy, and use of hip arthroplasty for patients with advanced hip arthritis. Among the conditional recommendations was that no particular TNFi was preferred except in patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease or recurrent iritis, in whom TNFi monoclonal antibodies should be used. In patients with active nonradiographic axial SpA despite treatment with NSAIDs, we conditionally recommend treatment with TNFi. Other recommendations for patients with nonradiographic axial SpA were based on indirect evidence and were the same as for patients with AS.ConclusionThese recommendations provide guidance for the management of common clinical questions in AS and nonradiographic axial SpA. Additional research on optimal medication management over time, disease monitoring, and preventive care is needed to help establish best practices in these areas.

ObjectiveTo identify genetic associations with severity of radiographic damage in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodWe studied 1537 AS cases of European descent; all fulfilled the modified New York Criteria. Radiographic severity was assessed from digitised lateral radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). A two-phase genotyping design was used. In phase 1, 498 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 688 cases; these were selected to capture >90% of the common haplotypic variation in the exons, exon-intron boundaries, and 5 kb flanking DNA in the 5' and 3' UTR of 74 genes involved in anabolic or catabolic bone pathways. In phase 2, 15 SNPs exhibiting p

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common, highly heritable, inflammatory arthritis for which HLA-B*27 is the major genetic risk factor, although its role in the aetiology of AS remains elusive. To better understand the genetic basis of the MHC susceptibility loci, we genotyped 7,264 MHC SNPs in 22,647 AS cases and controls of European descent. We impute SNPs, classical HLA alleles and amino-acid residues within HLA proteins, and tested these for association to AS status. Here we show that in addition to effects due to HLA-B*27 alleles, several other HLA-B alleles also affect susceptibility. After controlling for the associated haplotypes in HLA-B, we observe independent associations with variants in the HLA-A, HLA-DPB1 and HLA-DRB1 loci. We also demonstrate that the ERAP1 SNP rs30187 association is not restricted only to carriers of HLA-B*27 but also found in HLA-B*40:01 carriers independently of HLA-B*27 genotype.

In spondyloarthritis (SpA), spontaneous remission is best described in reactive arthritis, a form of peripheral SpA. Prior SpA observational studies suggested that a significant percentage of patients reached spontaneous remission; however, these patients were followed up under older, broader European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) criteria or were not defined by specific criteria. In general, they were mixed populations of peripheral and axial disease, and the subsets were not differentiated when assessing end points such as remission. There are limited data on the natural history of axial SpA, in part because of the evolution of the criteria with the more recently developed Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria, including the designation of non-radiographic axial SpA and peripheral SpA. Clinical trials have been conducted with various remission end points including withdrawal of therapy to determine remission maintenance. The following review addresses the potential for remission in axial and peripheral SpA based on the data from both observational studies and clinical trials.

ObjectiveThe human major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) controls the immune process by balancing activities of  natural killer cells, γδ T cells and αβ CD8 T cells, and immunosuppressive CD4 T cells. MICA is located near HLA-B on chromosome 6. Recent genomewide association studies indicate that genes most strongly linked to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility come from the region containing HLA-B and MICA. While HLA-B27 is a well-known risk genetic marker for AS, the potential effect of linkage disequilibrium (LD) shields any associations of genes around HLA-B with AS. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel independent genetic association of MICA to AS.MethodsWe examined 1543 AS patients and 1539 controls from two ethnic populations by sequencing MICA and genotyping HLA-B alleles. Initially, 1070 AS patients and 1003 controls of European ancestry were used as a discovery cohort, followed by a confirmation cohort of 473 Han Chinese AS patients and 536 controls. We performed a stratified analysis based on HLA-B27 carrier status. We also conducted logistic regression with a formal interaction term.ResultsSequencing of MICA identified that MICA*007:01 is a significant risk allele for AS in both Caucasian and Han Chinese populations, and that MICA*019 is a major risk allele in Chinese AS patients. Conditional analysis of MICA alleles on HLA-B27 that unshielded LD effect confirmed associations of the MICA alleles with AS.ConclusionsParallel with HLA-B27, MICA confers strong susceptibility to AS in US white and Han Chinese populations.

BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory arthritis that affects the axial skeleton, predisposes patients with severe disease to falls and spinal fractures. Advanced imaging has improved the process of fracture detection. In spite of increased knowledge about early diagnosis and management of AS, little attention is being paid to the environmental hazards that pose a risk for patient outcome.ObjectivesTo identify risk factors for falls and fractures and evaluate imaging modalities in the detection of fractures in AS patients.MethodsA case report and review of the literature using PubMed for English articles from 2000 to 2013 regarding AS patients׳ risk factors for falls and fractures and imaging modalities used to diagnose fracture in this population.ResultsPotential impairments in balance and coordination in the AS population include vestibular dysfunction, thoracolumbar kyphosis, and deficits in proprioception. A common and significant environmental risk factor for falls includes the use of a tub-shower arrangement. Furthermore, osteoporosis is a well-known complication of AS, which can predispose to a fracture. Lastly, there are no comprehensive studies that have evaluated the ability of advanced imaging modalities to identify an acute spine fracture in this patient population.ConclusionsAS patients with advanced disease are at an increased risk of falls and fractures due to many factors including but not limited to a rigid spine and difficulty with peripheral vision. A tub-shower arrangement commonly found in homes and hotel rooms is a major hazard. A consistent approach to diagnosis of fractures involving advanced imaging recommendations should be considered.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors on progressive spinal damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsAll AS patients meeting the modified New York criteria who had been monitored prospectively and had at least 2 sets of spinal radiographs a minimum of 1.5 years apart were included in the study (n=334). The patients received standard therapy, which included nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and TNFα inhibitors. Radiographic severity was assessed by the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Patients with a rate of AS progression that was ≥1 mSASSS unit/year were considered progressors. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were done. Propensity score matching and sensitivity analysis were performed. A zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model was used to analyze the effect of TNFα inhibitors on the change in the mSASSS with varying followup periods. Potential confounders, such as disease activity (as assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, HLA-B27 positivity, sex, age at onset, smoking burden (number of pack-years), and baseline damage, were included in the model.ResultsTNFα inhibitor treatment was associated with a 50% reduction in the odds of progression, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.52 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.30-0.88, P=0.02). Patients with a delay of >10 years in starting therapy were more likely to experience progression as compared to those who started earlier (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.09-5.3], P=0.03). In the ZINB model, the use of TNFα inhibitors significantly reduced disease progression when the gap between radiographs was >3.9 years. The protective effect of TNFα inhibitors was stronger after propensity score matching.ConclusionTreatment with TNFα inhibitors appears to reduce radiographic progression in AS patients, especially with early initiation and with longer duration of followup.

ObjectiveBoth radiographic damage and functional limitations increase with the duration of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We examined whether radiographic damage contributed more to functional limitations in late AS than in early AS, and if the strength of association varied with the anatomic region of damage.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study of 801 patients with AS, we examined associations of the lumbar modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), the cervical mSASSS, lumbar posterior fusion, cervical posterior fusion, and hip arthritis with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for the spondyloarthritides (HAQ-S).ResultsHigher lumbar and cervical mSASSS scores were associated with more functional limitations, but there was an interaction between mSASSS scores and the duration of AS, such that the strength of their association with functional limitations decreased with increasing duration of AS. Cervical posterior fusion was associated with worse functioning independent of mSASSS scores. Hip arthritis was significantly associated with functional limitations independent of spinal damage measures. Among patients with AS duration ≥40 years, the number of comorbid conditions accounted for most of the variation in functioning. Results were similar for both the BASFI and the HAQ-S.ConclusionAlthough both radiographic damage and functional limitations increase over time in AS, the relative contribution of radiographic damage to functional limitations is lower among patients with longstanding AS than with early AS, suggesting patients may accommodate to limited flexibility. Damage in different skeletal regions impacts functioning over the duration of AS. Functional limitations due to comorbidity supervene in late AS.

Objective: To assess the efficacy/safety of tofacitinib in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods: This phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with active AS, meeting the modified New York criteria, with centrally read radiographs, and an inadequate response or intolerance to ≥2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients were randomised 1:1 to receive tofacitinib 5 mg two times per day or placebo for 16 weeks. After week 16, all patients received open-label tofacitinib until week 48. The primary and key secondary endpoints were Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society ≥20% improvement (ASAS20) and ≥40% improvement (ASAS40) responses, respectively, at week 16. Safety was assessed throughout.Results: 269 patients were randomised and treated: tofacitinib, n=133; placebo, n=136. At week 16, the ASAS20 response rate was significantly (p<0.0001) greater with tofacitinib (56.4%, 75 of 133) versus placebo (29.4%, 40 of 136), and the ASAS40 response rate was significantly (p<0.0001) greater with tofacitinib (40.6%, 54 of 133) versus placebo (12.5%, 17 of 136). Up to week 16, with tofacitinib and placebo, respectively, 73 of 133 (54.9%) and 70 of 136 (51.5%) patients had adverse events; 2 of 133 (1.5%) and 1 of 136 (0.7%) had serious adverse events. Up to week 48, with tofacitinib, 3 of 133 (2.3%) patients had adjudicated hepatic events, 3 of 133 (2.3%) had non-serious herpes zoster, and 1 of 133 (0.8%) had a serious infection; with placebo→tofacitinib, 2 (1.5%) patients had non-serious herpes zoster. There were no deaths, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, thromboembolic events or opportunistic infections.Conclusions: In adults with active AS, tofacitinib demonstrated significantly greater efficacy versus placebo. No new potential safety risks were identified.Trial Registration Number: NCT03502616. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]