Managing the impact of ankylosing spondylitis on the patient and society

• Published in: International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology Vol. 5; no. 5; pp. 537 - 546
• Main Author: Hamilton-West, Kate
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: London Future Medicine Ltd 01.10.2010
• Subjects: Ankylosing spondylitis; Antirheumatic agents; anxiety; depression; economic cost; Epidemiology; Ergonomics; fatigue; quality of life; sexual function; sleep; work disability
• ISSN: 1758-4272; 1758-4280
• DOI: 10.2217/ijr.10.56

The purpose of this article is to consider the challenges faced by patients and clinicians in relation to long-term management of ankylosing spondylitis, a common rheumatic disease with an early age of onset, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for minimizing the impact of ankylosing spondylitis on the patient and society. The article is organized into three main sections; the first provides a general background in relation to epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and classification; the second considers the impacts of ankylosing spondylitis on the patient and society; the third provides recommendations for minimizing these impacts. In particular, the importance of patient education, group exercise, ergonomic adjustment of the work environment, psychological therapies and spa therapies are highlighted. We also urgently recommend notifying patients of the advantages associated with active membership of a patient support group. Some general conclusions regarding the goals for long-term management of this condition are presented and we consider how the field might develop in the future. Necessary research fields for the future are highlighted.