Contents
Increased mortality in ankylosing spondylitis
Increased mortality in ankylosing spondylitis is related to disease severity,
Factors negatively affecting outcomes :
Male sex
Plus three of the following in the first two years of disease:
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >30 mm/h
- Unresponsive to NSAIDs
- Limitation of lumbar spine range of motion
- Sausage-like fingers or toes
- Oligoarthritis
- Onset <16 years old
Most frequent cause of death
Circulatory disease is the most frequent cause of death.
Cerebrovascular mortality
People with AS have an increased risk of 60% for cerebrovascular mortality
Vascular mortality
Overall increased risk of 50% for vascular mortality
Ankylosing spondylitis – articular and extra-articular complications
- Chronic pain and disability
- Aortic regurgitation
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Mood disorders
