A study of clinical profile in female spondyloarthropathy

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the clinical features of SpA including BATH indices and to compare clinical data of male and femalespondyloarthropathy patients.Methods: The study included male and female patients (60 each) fulfilling the European Spondyloarthropathy StudyGroup (ESSG) or assessment of ankylosing spondylitis (ASAS) criteria for SpA and the CASPER criteria for PsA or themodified New York criteria for AS. The subjects completed initial clinical evaluation and radiological and laboratoryassessment.Results: The mean age of presentation was found to be higher in females (34.6± 9.6 years). Backache was the mostcommon features identified in both the groups. Peripheral arthritis was present in 51.7% of total patients (56.7% malesand 46.7% females). Asymmetrical lower limb arthritis was found to be more predominant; however, 10% of the patientsreported involvement of wrist. Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, and uveitis were noted in 13 (7 males and 6females), three (1 male and 2 females) and 14 patients (9 males and 5 females) respectively. Dorsal and neck pain werefrequently prevalent among the patients.Conclusion: Though the severity of symptoms and disability are comparable across both the genders, females haveincreasingly been diagnosed with SpA. Most common symptom of presentation is low back pain followed by gluteal pain.Peripheral arthritis, predominantly lower limb oligoarthritis is common in Indian population when compared to theirwestern counterparts.