Axial spondyloarthritis 10 years on: still looking for the lost tribe.

ABSTRACT: Despite the publication of various recommendations, quality standards and referral strategies to promote early diagnosis in axial SpA (axSpA) over the last decade, there remains a significant delay to diagnosis, leading to a lost tribe of undiagnosed, untreated patients with persistent back pain and axSpA symptoms. This review discusses the various factors contributing to diagnostic delay in axSpA, while providing recommendations to improve the diagnostic pathway, for example use of the online Spondyloarthritis Diagnosis Evaluation (SPADE) tool (http://www.spadetool.co.uk/). Significant shortcomings exist at both the primary and secondary care level, with healthcare professionals often lacking knowledge and awareness of axSpA. Myths regarding the classical signs and symptoms still prevail,

SUBMITTER: Barnett R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7566532 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature