British Axial Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort Study to Evaluate Diagnosis Delays and Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a group of chronic rheumatic diseases causing inflammation in the spine. This study aims to understand how delays in diagnosis affect work ability and daily function, as well as the natural course of newly diagnosed axSpA patients in the UK. It also explores disease activity, pain, fatigue, treatments, and related conditions over time in people who have not yet used biologic therapy. The study is a prospective cohort that began in January 2023 and will run initially for three years, supported by Pfizer, UCB, and Novartis. Participants will be followed remotely without any active treatment from the study team, meaning no intervention is given as part of the research. Data will be collected through participant reports and linking to health records. The study includes people newly diagnosed with axSpA within the last six months, aged 16 to 50 years, who have not started biologic therapy. This observational design allows researchers to track real-world outcomes over time. During the study, participants will provide information on their work productivity and daily activities, with a key measure collected at baseline and 12 months. Quality of life related to ankylosing spondylitis will be assessed at 24 months. The study also monitors symptoms like pain and fatigue, and gathers data on treatments and comorbidities. This long-term follow-up helps improve understanding of axSpA's impact and outcomes in everyday clinical settings.

British Axial Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort