South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 guidelines for the management of axial spondyloarthritis
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.
Source and rights
Published by South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 2024. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.
Prognia summarises this guideline for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always check the official guideline and current local protocols before acting on it.
At a glance
- Published
- 2024
- Applies to
- 🇪🇺 Europe
- Scope
- Regional
- Journal
- South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
- PubMed
- 39508217
