South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 guidelines for the management of axial spondyloarthritis

Authors

  • B Hodkinson
  • A B Maharaj Department of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
  • R Benitha Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • K Makan Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • R du Toit Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
  • D Haasbroek Life Fourways Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • C Balton Department of Rheumatology, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • P Govender Department of Medicine, Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • M van Dam Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • F Paruk Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital, Durban, South Africa
  • B Hodkinson Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i10.2668

Keywords:

Cme

Abstract

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation are essential in the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), also known as ankylosing spondylitis, remembering that underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of axSpA are common. These South African guidelines offer screening tools and details of useful investigations, including imaging. Care of the axSpA patient requires a multidisciplinary holistic approach emphasising lifestyle interventions, particularly exercise, smoking cessation and psychosocial support. The ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score is recommended as a measure of disease activity, and a stepwise algorithm for therapy is provided. Screening for comorbidities and vaccination is advised.

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Published

2024-10-03

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CME

How to Cite

1.
Hodkinson B, Maharaj AB, Benitha R, Makan K, du Toit R, Haasbroek D, et al. South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 guidelines for the management of axial spondyloarthritis. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 3 [cited 2024 Nov. 6];114(10):e2668. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2668

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