Comparison of clinical features of patients in ankylosing spondilitis receiving conventional and Anti-TNF therapy

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic, chronic and inflammatory disease that affects especially spine and sacroiliac joints. The aim of our study is to compare clinical and demographic features of AS patients receiving conventional and biologic therapy. Methods: This study was performed by examining data of 100 patients following on our rheumatology clinic at Blacksea Technical University Medical School and have diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis according to modified New York Criteria. Patients demographic features, which therapy they receive, routine biochemical (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, hemogram) and genetic (HLA-B27) tests and radiographic data were used. Mesaurements of disease were assessed with indexes such as Bath ankilosying spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankilosying spondylitis metrology index (BASMI), Bath ankilosying spondylitis functional index(BASFI), vizuel analog skala (VAS), modified Stoke ankilosying spondylitis spinal score (mSASSS). Results: Disease activity index was lower in anti-TNF treatment group and radiographic spinal injury scores were reported significantly higher (p<0,05). mSASSS and BASFI scores in males, VAS and BASDAI scores in females were higher. BASFI, BASMI and mSASSS scores were significantly higher in smoking group (p<0,05). Male gender had independent predictive value for hip involvement (p<0,05). Conclusions: The positive impact of anti-TNF therapy provided on BASDAI and BASFI scores, that indicate disease activity and functional status, is demonstrated. Male gender and smoking were associated closely with disease activity and progression. Consequently, the demographic features of AS patients and which therapy they receive are closely related with clinical features such as disease activity, functional status and radiographic injury score.