More than 350,000 People in the United States Have Ankylosing Spondylitis (Arthritis of the Spine)

ORLANDO, FL. - In data presented today at the 67th annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) said that people who develop ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in childhood appear to have more severe functional impairment than people who develop AS as adults. The research was presented by Dr. Millicent A Stone, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto.

"The study showed that it takes 15.5 years between someone develops AS in childhood to the time they receive an accurate diagnosis of AS. Comparatively, people who develop AS when they are adults have a 7.6 gap between onset of disease and diagnosis," said Dr. Stone. "AS patients with childhood onset of AS had more severe functional disability compared with adult onset AS patients."

In addition, the study showed that individuals with childhood onset of AS in low income brackets were more at risk of worsening function. For each year of disease the odds of becoming functionally impaired increased by 6 percent in those developing childhood AS.

"The most important aspect of this study is that delay in diagnosis related to poorer health for people with ankylosing spondylitis," said Robert W. Warren, MD, who serves as head of the SAA Medical Board. "People need to know the symptoms of AS, so that they can be aware and seek an appropriate diagnosis."

Key Early Symptoms of AS

• Gradual onset of back of buttock pain and stiffness lasting longer than three months.
• Early morning stiffness.
• Back pain and stiffness improve with exercise and worsen with rest.
• Onset of symptoms in late teens and early twenties (childhood onset less than 16 years of age.)

Life Impact Survey
A cross-sectional study of 326 people with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) (all now in adulthood) participated in a mail survey commissioned by SAA in 2002.* A person was classified as JAS if they had a diagnosis of AS made prior to age 16. In addition, 2,021 people with adult ankylosing spondylitis (AAS) participated in the same survey. Using SAS software and different analyses, both groups were measured and compared to see if there were differences in key areas. Key measurements in the study were:

• Work-related disability
• Functional impairment (defined by a functional index called the BASFI)
• Self-reported quality of life
• Spinal involvement

About Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis, often called arthritis of the spine, is a painful and progressive form of spinal arthritis that usually affects people in the prime of their lives. AS typically begins in the late teens and early twenties and can result in fusion of the spinal vertebrae, hips and other joints. It is often misdiagnosed as "just back pain," or undifferentiated arthritis. AS can affect the bowel and eye in addition to the heart, lungs and kidneys. The SAA estimates that at least 350,000 people in the U.S. suffered from AS. However, with the advent of medicines that block TNF, many patients are now getting excellent relief of symptoms and noting improved quality of life. Although the long-term effect of these drugs on disease progression is unknown at this point they are very promising new therapies that can hopefully improve the lives of many AS patients.

About SAA
For over 20 years, SAA has helped improve the lives of people with AS and its related diseases. The organization is committed to helping patients live life to the fullest. SAA has grown from a small-dedicated group of patients and their families, to a national organization with members throughout the United States. Today, SAA is the leading source of information in the country, providing materials, events and services to people with AS and related diseases. SAA is a driving force in national research efforts and works with medical thought-leaders in the United States on research and clinical studies to improve patient care.

For more information about AS, related diseases and the SAA, visit: www.spondylitis.org or call toll-free: 800.777.8189.

* The study was funded by Centocor and Wyeth/Amgen.