POS0061-PARE HOW DO THE COMPLICATIONS OF SPONDYLOARTHRITIS (SPA*) IMPACT THE QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) OF PATIENTS LIVING WITH SPA?
Authors: S. Patenaude, W. Gerhart
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: SpA describes a group of chronic inflammatory arthritic diseases with common features, including inflammation of the spine, eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. These conditions can be painful and debilitating for many. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible damage to the spine and other joints. Diagnosis of these conditions can take, on average, 7 years or more. We don’t know what causes SpA and there is no cure. The onset of symptoms can be in early childhood and expands throughout one’s lifespan. It affects children, women and men worldwide. Objectives: To understand how the complications of living with SpA impacts QOL as well as what is important to patients in order to help the CSA** prioritize advocacy focus and resource development. Methods: The CSA surveyed the community virtually from 11/19/19 to 01/21/20. The results of 838 respondents were analyzed after the survey closed. 466 participants responded to the questions regarding complications. Results: In total, participants had an average of 3.3 complications. Those living with ankylosing spondylitis experienced an average of 3.5 while those with psoriatic arthritis reported an average of 3.9. Sleep issues (65%), chronic pain (63%), and combined depression and anxiety (56%) were the most prevalent conditions reported among participants. In addition, 23% said they live with inflammatory bowel disease. Other complications include uveitis, weight issues, migraine, vertebral disc herniations and hypertension. Those who reported weight issues (over 44%) consequently had increased anxiety, depression and chronic pain compared to those without weight issues. Over 65% reported experiencing sleep issues. Many (26%) said that nothing helps with their sleep. Others used cannabis (24%), prescribed sleeping pills (20%) and exercise (19%) to cope. 36% of participants said that they suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. When asked how they manage their fatigue, the most common answer was exercise. Most participants said they have yet to find something that helps them efficiently manage their fatigue. Over 400 people said they suffer from either depression or anxiety, or both. When asked how they cope with this, 40% said talking to loved ones. Exercise to cope was reported by 32% and 31% take prescription medication. Those who suffer from Psoriasis experienced a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Overall, the presence of complications is an additional stressor to SpA patients. Many pointed out that the complications are sometimes more burdensome than the actual SpA condition and some patients even prioritize the management of the complications over the actual SpA condition. These complications can lead to increased trips to the physician resulting in more healthcare interventions and medications, causing frustration to patients. Only 59% of respondents mentioned that their rheumatologist regularly asks them about additional complications such as depression, fatigue and gut issues. Many felt that their rheumatologist seems to be more concerned with pain management and continuing function and do not necessarily address other health concerns and complications, particularly mental health. Although these are often overlooked, it is clear that complications have a significant impact on patient health and overall QOL. The CSA is committed to developing programs and resources to help patients manage all the complications commonly experienced to improve health outcomes and overall QOL. It doesn’t have to be visible to be real. Together we are stronger! References: [1]SpA conditions include: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, non-radial SpA, Axial SpA, Peripheral Spondyloarthritis, Enteropathic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis and Juvenile Onset Arthritis [2]The Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA) is a national non-profit patient association supporting and advocating for those living with SpA. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.