Work Characteristics and Axial Spondyloarthritis: Evaluation from a Broad Perspective with Clinical, Laboratory, Radiography and Ultrasonography

Year 2022, Volume: 75 Issue: 3, 454 - 461, 18.10.2022

Nuray Gülgönül Ebru Karaca Umay , Bilge Kesikburun , Fatma Hülya Şahin Rabia Sökmen

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of work conditions that require physical performance on axial spondyloarthritis with
clinical, laboratory and radiological measurements. In addition, the performance of ultrasonographic examination in showing the effect of work
characteristics on enthesopathy was evaluated.

Materials and Methods: The present study is a single-center cross-sectional analysis conducted on 51 axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients who
were diagnosed according to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria between October 2020 and December 2020 (24
females, 27 males, mean age: 46.98±9.30 years, 15 ankylosing spondylitis patients, 36 nr-axSpA). Demographic and clinical characteristics, along
with disease related laboratory data of the patients, were recorded.

Results: Work duration was found to be positively correlated with Maastricht ankylosing spondylitis enthesitis score (MASES), foot deformity, and
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), while negatively correlated with thoracal Schober. Physical activity level at work was positively correlated
with the Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index, Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, ankylosing spondylitis disease activity
score-ESR, MASES, foot deformity and ESR, while it was negatively correlated with thoracal Schober. Leisure activity level was only positively
correlated with foot deformity. In the findings in radiological parameters, it was measured that the work duration was positively correlated with the
thickness of the distal patellar and Achilles tendon. The level of physical activity at work positively correlates with distal patellar tendon thickness,
Achilles tendon thickness, and plantar fascia thickness. It was seen that the activity level in leisure time was only positively correlated with distal
patellar tendon thickness.

Conclusion: Physical activity level at work in axSpA patients is related to the severity of disease activity and decreased spinal mobility. In particular,
increase of mechanical workload causes acute inflammation at the lower extremity and all enthesopathy points, independently from radiological
progression and disease activity. The addition of ultrasonographical examination may supply a better evaluation of the effects of physical activity
level at work on patients.

Keywords

Axial Spondyloarthritis , Physical Activity , Enthesopathy , Ultrasonography

Ethical Statement

Approval of the study was obtained from University of Health Sciences Turkey, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Clinical Research Ethic Committee (approval no: 98/03, date: 19.10.2020).

Supporting Institution

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Project Number

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Thanks

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