title: Health-related quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a comprehensive review.
abstract: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a complex systemic rheumatological disease which often causes severe disability and impaired quality of life (QoL). We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE electronic database for available literature on QoL and its predictors in patients with AS. Recent evidence indicates that AS patients have poorer QoL compared to the general population, but similar to that of patients with other rheumatological disorders. Disease activity is one of the most powerful predictors of QoL, however latest advances in pharmacological treatment (namely, anti-TNF-α) along with physical exercise can minimize the effects of AS on QoL. Psychological distress symptoms contribute to impaired QoL both directly and indirectly by influencing disease activity. The impact of other psychosocial variables, however, is less studied and more prospective investigations are necessary, which could eventually lead to the development of psychosocial interventions that are personalized to this patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Division of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kotsis
authors.forename: Paraskevi V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Voulgari
authors.forename: Alexandros A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Drosos
authors.forename: André F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hyphantis
mesh_terms: D017281:Cost of Illness; D018450:Disease Progression; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D010465:Perception; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: ankylosing spondylitis; anxiety; depression; disease activity; functional limitations; illness perceptions; quality of life