Assessing and understanding outcome in spondyloarthritis

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

Abstract

This dissertation examines how spondyloarthritis (SpA) manifests itself and how patients experience this condition. SpA is a group of rheumatological conditions that involve the back and/or pelvis and leads to inflammation of the joints and/or tendons. This study found that pain is the most important health concern for patients with SpA.
It also found that extra-articular manifestations (EAMs or rheumatoid nodules) occur more frequently in patients with SpA than in the general population; however, it is difficult to predict which patients will develop an EAM. If a patient does develop an EAM, it will not influence the long-term outcome. Rheumatologists should be alert to the development of ischemic heart disease in patients with SpA.

Finally, the disease has also been associated with long-term gender differences; while X-rays in male patients show more visible damage, female patients experience decreased quality of life. This information is important for both clinical practice and research.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Boonen, Annelies, Supervisor
  • Landewe, Robert, Supervisor
  • van Tubergen, Astrid, Co-Supervisor
Award date17 Jun 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • spondyloarthritis
  • clinical practice
  • treatment
  • outcomes

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