Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of Latin American patients with spondyloarthritis

Abstract

Large epidemiologic and clinical estimates of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Latin America are not available. In this narrative review, our goal was to descriptively summarize the prevalence and features of SpA in Latin America, based on available small studies. A review of peer-reviewed literature identified 41 relevant publications. Of these, 11 (mostly based on Mexican data) estimated the prevalence of SpA and its subtypes, which varied from 0.28 to 0.9% (SpA), 0.02 to 0.8% (ankylosing spondylitis), 0.2 to 0.9% (axial SpA), and 0.004 to 0.08% (psoriatic arthritis). Demographic and/or clinical characteristics were reported in 31 of the 41 publications, deriving data from 3 multinational studies, as well as individual studies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Data relating to treatment, disease manifestations (articular and extra-articular), and comorbidities were summarized across the countries. Available data suggest that there is a variability in prevalence, manifestations, and comorbidities of SpA across Latin America. Basic epidemiologic and clinical data are required from several countries not currently represented. Data relating to current treatment approaches, patient outcomes, and socioeconomic impact within this large geographic region are also needed.

Factors Associated With Diagnostic Delay of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Colombian Patients

“…Prevalence of axSpA is estimated to be between 0.2% and 0.9% and for AS between 0.02% and 0.8%. 24 In most of the Latin American studies and all of the Colombian ones, the majority of patients were men. In our study, 53.5% were women, and this could be associated with the fact that in recent years awareness of the disease in women has been increasing.…”

“…In Latin America, most of the data come from Mexican patients. Prevalence of axSpA is estimated to be between 0.2% and 0.9% and for AS between 0.02% and 0.8% 24 …”

Letter to the editor re: prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of Latin American patients with spondyloarthritis

“…We have read with great interest the article "Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of Latin American patients with spondyloarthritis" by Gustavo Citera et al The authors carry out a depth analysis of the current state of spondyloarthritis (SpA), including psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the region. Covering from epidemiology, clinical manifestations and treatment [1].…”

HLA-B27 may modulate the interaction between ERAP1 polymorphisms and smoking in ankylosing spondylitis patients

“…It is estimated that between 0.5 and 1.0% of carriers of this marker in any population have the disease; in Mexico, it is estimated that the prevalence of AS is 0.09%. This disease affects men more than women at a 5:1 ratio, and the first symptoms appear between the second and third decades of life [ 4 – 6 ].…”