Research is continuous and ongoing in the many facets of spondylitis. Below are brief descriptions and links to the abstracts of some of the most recent studies regarding ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Remember that SAA is strongly committed to research efforts and we are involved in the AS Family Genetic Study. For or information on that study, please click here.

Spondyloarthropathy with entheseal pain. A prospective study in 33 patients

Enthesis is the area where a ligament or tendon attaches to bone. Thus, entheseal pain is pain in this area. This study set out to identify features that differentiate spondylitis from fibromyalgia when entheseal pain is present. This may help in proper diagnosis of spondylitis vs. fibromyalgia.

The study concludes that, "isolated entheseal pain may indicate spondylitis in some patients." Click here to read the abstract.

Six months open label trial of leflunomide in active ankylosing spondylitis

This trial examined the effectiveness of the drug Arava (leflunomide) in treating ankylosing spondylitis. It was found that, in patients with active AS, "only those with peripheral arthritis improved significantly with leflunomide treatment." Thus, only those people with inflammation in peripheral joints and not just spinal involvement showed improvement with the drug. Click here to read the study abstract.

For more information on Arava, click here.

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