BASELINE CHARACTERISTIC OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE SINGLE CENTRE LITHUANIAN COHORT

Background: The prevalence rates for spondyloarthropathies has been investigated in an epidemiological study in Lithuania (1), but no studies are analysing the demographics, clinical characteristics of SpA in Lithuania. Changes in spondyloarthritis (SpA) concept and application of the new criteria for classification should improve spondyloarthritis diagnostic standards in routine clinical practice. Objectives: To assess demographics and clinical manifestations of firstly diagnosed axial spondyloarthritis, to compare ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) using standardized clinical assessment tools. Methods: In September 2014 our centre began to collect a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed axial spondyloarthritis, according to ASAS criteria. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0. A p<0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 97 patients (60 men, 37 women) have been included. All of them (100%) suffered from chronic back pain. Inflammatory back pain (according to ASAS criteria) was present in 77%. 34 (35,1%) patients already had definite radiographic changes in the sacroiliac joints (SIJ), therefore AS (based on modified New York criteria) was diagnosed. The mean age at first visit was similar: 34,3 (±10,0) in nr-axSpA and 36,1 (±11,0) in AS group. Duration of symptoms was significantly longer in AS group (mean 106,6 months in AS versus 44,8 months in nr-axSpA). The prevalence of HLA-B27 was similar: 74,6% vs 91.2% for nr-axSpA and AS, respectively. There were more males in AS group (76,5% vs 54,0%, p 0,03). The frequency of clinical features (peripheral arthritis, dactylitis) and extra-articular manifestations (enthesitis, uveitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, preceding infection) was similar between the two subgroups (p>0,05). Mobility was slightly more impaired in AS patients, but it did not reach a significant level. No differences in the level of global pain, patient's global assessment were found. BASDAI did not show the significant difference between AS and nr-axSpA (mean 4,5±2,1 vs 3,9±2,0), as well CRP (mean CRP 17,33 mg/l vs 17,75 mg/l (p 0,2) and ESR. Conclusions: Diagnosis of axial SpA in Lithuania remains delayed. The proportion of patients with AS among newly diagnosed axial SpA is high.There are more women in the nr-axSpA group. Both groups do not differ regarding clinical features, disease activity. References: Adomaviciute D, Pileckyte M, Baranauskaite A, Morvan J, Dadoniene J, Guillemin F.Scand J Rheumatol. 2008 Mar-Apr;37(2):113–9 Prevalence survey of rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathy in Lithuania. Disclosure of Interest: None declared DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.6944Citation: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, volume 76, supplement 2, year 2017, page 1306Session: Spondyloarthritis - clinical aspects (other than treatment) (Abstracts Accepted for Publication )