Researchers from the PSOAS (Prospective Study of Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis) cohort - a study examining the genetic determinants of ankylosing spondylitis severity - has recently published some of their findings in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

The objective of this part of the study was to examine the clinical and radiographic features in men and women.

In terms of severity, this study has thus far found that, among patients with longstanding AS, men have more severe radiographic changes, although it appears that women may have more peripheral arthritis. However, at and given level of damage found on x-ray, self-reported functional limitations were worse for women.

The finding regarding more peripheral joint involvement in women may also shed some light on why, in general, it can take longer for a woman to be diagnosed with AS than in a man. It has been suggested in other recent studies that AS can initially affect different parts of the body in women (neck, peripheral joints) than in men (low back, spine).

Note that it has been shown that, contrary to traditional belief, ankylosing spondylitis is NOT a so-called "man's disease." The most recent information points to show that the ratio of men to women who have AS is now 3:1 or possibly even 2:1.

For more information on the PSOAS study, (and information on participation), please click here.

Note we also offer a free brochure, "Ankylosing Spondylitis: Also a Woman's Disease" in our online store. It can be ordered on the following linked page by clicking here.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2007;66:633-638

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