Validation of the 2025 ASAS-SPARTAN Criteria for Diagnosing Axial Spondyloarthritis in Chinese Adults with Chronic Back Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the 2025 ASAS-SPARTAN revised classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis axSpA in Chinese adults with chronic back pain. AxSpA is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness. This multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional observational study aims to validate the criterias sensitivity, specificity, and scoring accuracy in the Chinese population, addressing racial and environmental differences that may influence diagnosis. Participants with chronic back pain lasting at least 3 months and back pain onset at age 45 or younger will undergo thorough diagnostic assessments. These include clinical history, physical exams, blood tests CRP, HLA-B27, ESR, pelvic X-rays, sacroiliac joint MRI and CT scans. Diagnosis will be evaluated using the 2025 ASAS-SPARTAN criteria and compared with the 2009 ASAS criteria and clinician diagnoses. No treatments are given as part of the study all care decisions are made by clinicians. Participants will provide informed consent and complete diagnostic testing during a single assessment. Data collection uses a secure electronic platform ensuring privacy. Researchers will analyze diagnostic accuracy and agreement between criteria using statistical tests. Findings aim to help clinicians choose better diagnostic tools and reduce over-diagnosis, improving care and easing healthcare burdens. The study is scheduled to run for 12 months starting April 2026.

Multicenter Validation of the 2025 Classification Criteria for Axial Spondyloarthritis