Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cohort Study Protocol Focusing on Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Scoring System

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a multicenter observational cohort study to explore the long-term effects of combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine on radiographic progression in patients diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). The study includes a retrospective review of data from the three years before enrollment and a prospective follow-up of up to two years. It aims to assess changes in disease activity and spinal inflammation using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scoring system and other clinical measures. Participants will be divided into two groups: those who receive traditional Chinese medicine therapy for more than 60% of their follow-up period and those who do not receive any traditional Chinese medicine therapy. The study will review imaging data annually during the two-year follow-up and assess various clinical indices and inflammatory markers at baseline and at regular intervals up to 24 months. During the study, participants will undergo periodic evaluations including imaging assessments, questionnaires measuring functional status and disease activity, quality of life scales, pain assessments, and blood tests for inflammatory markers. Researchers will also monitor treatment adherence, medication use, and adverse events throughout the follow-up period. The primary measure is the change in SPARCC scores from baseline to 12 months, with additional assessments continuing through 24 months to understand disease progression and treatment effects.

Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A Cohort Study Protocol Focusing on Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Scoring System