Such databases are very useful to obtain information about characteristics of SpA patients treated in a certain location or following a specific treatment practice, and provide a tool for assessing the impact of the disease. Data collected in this registry provide an appropriate clinical and demographic profile of patients suffering from SpA in Spain.

Semiquantitative methods are needed to improve the diagnosis of vertebral fractures in AS in order to start early treatment and to avoid complications arising from osteoporosis.

No abstract

The prevalence of permanent work disability in Spanish patients with AS is significant, and the main factors related to it are age, disease duration, structural damage, and physical functioning. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.