Relationship between axial spondyloarthriti̇s and central sensitization

Objective: We aimed to investigate the frequency of central sensitization (CS) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), the comorbidities that may be associated with this condition, and the relationship between CS and clinical parameters of the disease in AxSpA patients. Materials and methods: Our study included 100 AxSpA patients and 100 control patients. The presence of central sensitization (CS) was investigated with the central sensitization inventory (CSI) in the groups. Disease activity (BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP), functional level (BASFI), mobility limitation (BASMI), quality of life (ASQoL), sleep quality (Jenkins sleep scale), depression (BDI) and anxiety (BAI), neuropathic pain (DN4), fibromyalgia (FIRST) and presence of restless legs syndrome were evaluated in the patient group. In the control group, sleep quality (Jenkins sleep scale), depression (BDI) and anxiety (BAI), neuropathic pain (DN4), fibromyalgia (FIRST) and presence of restless legs syndrome were evaluated. Patients were divided as the ones with and without CS according to the central sensitization inventory (CSI) and the results were compared. Results: AxSpA and control group were similar in terms of sociodemographic data. CS was detected in 16 of 100 AxSpA patients. CS frequency was similar in AxSpA and control group (p> 0,05). AxSpA patients with CS had higher BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, BASFI, BASMI, ASQoL, MASES, BDI, BAI, DN4, Jenkins sleep scale, FIRST scores compared to the group without CS (p<0,05). In the control group, those with CS had higher BDI, BAI, FIRST, DN4, Jenkins sleep scale scores than those without CS (p <0.05). The frequency of depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain was similar in the control group and the patient group (p> 0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that the frequency of CS increased in the presence of comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain in patients with AxSpA. Evaluation of patients with persistent chronic pain despite anti-inflammatory treatment in terms of CS and formulation of treatment plans may prevent unnecessary treatment changes. Key words: Axial spondyloarthritis, Central sensitization, Central sensitization inventory