Future challenges and critical approach to metrology in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Abstract

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a rheumatic inflammatory chronic disease that mainly affects the spine, producing inflammation and structural damage at the vertebral level (erosions, syndesmophytes, and bony bridges). This leads to a reduction of mobility in axSpA patients [1] that requires assessment by rheumatologists to closely monitor patients and analyse the efficacy of prescribed treatments. Several tools are used for the evaluation of these patients [2]; thus, self-assessed patient report outcomes (PRO) questionnairesmay be completed by the patient to evaluate function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index—BASFI), whereas other toolsmonitor disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index—BASDAI) and the patient’s quality of life (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Health Index—ASAS-HI), among others. In addition, other indexes are used to analyse radiographic structural damage (modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score—mSASSS) and activity indexes based on blood tests (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score—ASDAS).