The management of the spondyloarthritis family of diseases has changed significantly over the last 10 years. Improved knowledge of disease pathogenesis, evidence about the effectiveness of early diagnosis, and the routine use of biologic agents, have all improved patient outcomes. This article aims to help GPs recognise spondyloarthritic diseases, improve confidence in primary care management and referral, and provide a summary of the 2017 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ChungHYMachadoPvan der HeijdeDet al.(2012) Smokers in early axial spondyloarthritis have earlier disease onset, more disease activity, inflammation and damage, and poorer function and health-related quality of life: Results from the DESIR cohort. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases71(6): 809–816. DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2011-200180.
ZhaoSChallonerBKhattakMet al.(2015) AB0737 male smokers have delayed response to anti-TNF therapy in ankylosing spondylitis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases74(S2): 1145. DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.4718.