ASAS Health Index as an Addition to Routine Clinical Practice

Abstract

We have read with great interest the recent editorial published in The Journal by Dr. Kiltz, et al, referring to the possibility of using the Spondyloarthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) as an all-in-one in the assessment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)1. AxSpA has been evaluated over the years with different tools that have tried to determine the degree of activity [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)/Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)], functional limitations (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), mobility restrictions (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index), structural damage accumulated over time (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index/modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score), or quality of life (Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life scale) of these patients.