Factors for the Onset and Course of Axial Spondylitis

The EISPA study is an epidemiological and translational study in axial spondylitis patients who are included in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ). EISPA aims to include consecutive newly diagnosed axial spondylitis patients.

Despite the fact that the disease is relatively common, it takes on average 10 years after start of symptoms for patients be diagnosed with axial spondylitis.

Axial spondylitis diagnosis is based on clinical findings rather than diagnostic tests, which reflects lack of knowledge about what causes the disease. At present, our possibilities to predict the course of the disease (and thereby individualize the care of the patient) are limited. Current treatment decreases inflammation rather than treating the cause of the disease.

The first treatment step of axial spondylitis is with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or COX inhibitors, which usually have insufficient effect against inflammatory pain and stiffness. In addition, these drugs are associated with side effects, such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Axial spondylitis is a multifactorial disease where the arachidonic acid cascade, an increased prostaglandin production and release may play a major role. With this there is a clear potential to develop new specific drugs to slow down the prostaglandin cascade in patients with axial spondylitis.

Inclusion criteria

• newly diagnosed patients with axial spondyloarthritis
• treatment-naive
• 18 years of age or older
• Swedish-speaking
• Able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• DMARD treatment,
• ongoing infection
• ongoing malignancy