Crohnââ¬â¢s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) that can be associated
with joint disease as an extra-intestinal manifestation. The relationship between gut and musculoskeletal inflammation has long
been recognized. The arthritis related to IBD is called enteropathic (E) arthritis and
belongs to the spondyloarthritis (SpA) spectrum of diseases, suggesting that the disease affects both the spine (Spondylo-) and the peripheral
joints (-arthritis). The ESpA sub-group usually satisfies the criteria for SpA defined
by the European Spondyloarthritis Study Group (ESSG), displaying low back pain and IBD. However, patients sometimes develop one
or more SpA-related manifestations without fulfilling any of the SpA classification criteria.
The first aim of this study was to assess the differences between AS and ESpA in terms of demographic (race, age at onset, gender) and
clinical characteristics (symptoms at onset, delay in diagnosis, disease activity and extra-articular manifestations).
The second aim was to assess the differences in musculoskeletal symptoms in AS and ESpA at onset and during the course of the disease
and to determine what symptoms patients find most problematic.Final aim was to assess differences from the musculoskeletal system
at presentation and during disease course between genders.
Last date updated on September, 2024