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Table 2 Possible criteria for the definition of refractory ankylosing spondylitis

From: Therapy of ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthritides: established medical treatment, anti-TNF-α therapy and other novel approaches

Diagnosis of AS according to 1984 modified New York criteria

Persistent disease activity for at least 4 months (BASDAI?)

Stage of disease (degree of ankylosis)

Insufficient conventional therapy (definition needed)

   Failure of at least three NSAIDs (including phenylbutazone?) at maximal dose to constantly suppress disease activity

   Failure of NSAIDs treatment is not necessary if NSAIDs are not tolerated or renal insufficiency is present

Failure of DMARD therapy (3 g sulfasalazine daily for 4 months)

Failure of intra-articular corticosteroid therapy (at least 2 injections?)

Failure of low-dose prednisolone (<10 mg daily for 1 week?)

  1. AS, ankylosing spondylitis; BASDAI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index; DMARD, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
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Arthritis Research & Therapy

ISSN: 1478-6362

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