title: Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) in spondyloarthropathies: a reassessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Seronegative spondyloarthropathies, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), is shown to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) is a valid serological marker for Crohn's disease. Presence of ASCA is controversial in AS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of ASCA in spondyloarthropathies and its relationship with disease activity and severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and seventy-five patients with AS, 47 patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (uSpA) and 103 healthy controls (HCs) were studied. All patients were questioned for demographic features and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores. Radiological damage is assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) and modified Stroke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). ASCA levels were measured with standard ELISA kits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was an overall increased prevalence of ASCA IgA in AS and uSpA compared with HCs (20.6 and 19.1% vs 5.8%, P = 0.0008 and P = 0.02, respectively). No association was observed between ASCA positivity and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels and BASDAI scores. However, ASCA-positive patients had higher BASRI scores [median BASRI: 7 (2-12) vs 6 (2-12); P = 0.037]. Although not reaching significance, they also had reduced chest expansion and higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores. ASCA-positive AS patients also required anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy more frequently (P = 0.006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ASCA IgA seems to be more prevalent in AS and uSpA. ASCA can also be a marker of radiological damage and a more severe course in AS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: S Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Atagunduz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Temel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bicakcigil
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tasan
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Direskeneli
mesh_terms: D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000097:blood*; D018450:Disease Progression; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000276:immunology*; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G