Frequency and Factors Related to Osteosarcopenia in Adults Aged 18 to 65 with Axial Spondyloarthritis

What this Trial Is About

Axial spondyloarthritis AxSpA is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine, sacroiliac joints, entheses, and sometimes peripheral joints, with a close link to the HLA-B27 gene. This condition includes both Ankylosing Spondylitis AS, diagnosed by X-rays, and non-radiographic AxSpA, diagnosed via MRI. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass and strength, are common in AS patients, and their combination, called osteosarcopenia, may increase illness and mortality in people with AxSpA. This study aims to find out how often osteosarcopenia occurs in AxSpA patients and how it relates to different clinical and demographic factors by comparing them to a healthy control group. Participants will be divided into two groups those with AxSpA diagnosed by established criteria and a healthy control group matched by age and gender. Osteoporosis will be assessed using bone mineral density BMD measurements via Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry DXA, while sarcopenia will be evaluated based on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance using the EWGSOP2 guidelines. Muscle mass will be measured by DXA and bioelectrical impedance analysis BIA, grip strength will assess muscle strength, and gait speed will assess physical performance. The study will explore the link between osteosarcopenia and factors such as age, gender, physical activity, disease duration, medication type, disease activity, spinal mobility, radiological involvement, and functional status. During the study, participants will undergo tests including DXA scans, bioelectrical impedance analysis, grip strength measurements, and gait speed assessments. Researchers will collect information on disease and treatment history, physical activity, and functional status. The primary outcome measure is the presence of osteosarcopenia over 16 months. Secondary outcomes include the presence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The study will help identify patients at higher risk for osteosarcopenia and guide early treatment steps. Total participation time spans 16 months from start to outcome evaluation.

Osteosarcopenia in Axial Spondyloarthritis