Clinical patterns of seronegative spondyloarthropathies in a tertiary centre in Pakistan

OBJECTIVES: The patterns of spondyloarthropathies (SpA) differ across regions globally, and an understanding of these patterns is important for the correct diagnosis of this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presenting symptoms and clinical patterns of SpA in a community of low socioeconomic status in Pakistan. METHODS: This clinical observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2016 to June 2017. Five thousand patients were initially recruited in the rheumatology clinic. A total of 114 patients were finally selected and enrolled in this study, as defined by the inclusion criteria. All demographic variables were recorded and baseline clinical investigations were performed. The European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose the condition and classify the study participants. RESULTS: Of the 114 patients, 64% (73 patients) were men and 36% (41 patients) were women. The mean age of the patients ranged 25–65 years. The men were affected twice as much as women with a ratio of 2:1.4. Men in the age group of 30–60 years constituted a large proportion of the study population. The most frequently diagnosed subtypes were ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. The most common presenting symptoms were sacroiliitis, inflammatory spinal pain, and synovitis. CONCLUSION: Males had a higher prevalence of SpA. Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis were the most commonly diagnosed subtypes.