Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic and progressive disease involving predominantly the axial skeleton. It is insidious and potentially debilitating, compromising the quality of life of patients suffering from the disease. The etiopathogenesis is still uncertain, which difficult strategies in its diagnosis and treatment. Advances in biological therapies are reforcing discussions in the best way of managing the disease. In this paper, we revise the outcome instruments available for ankylosing spondylitis and the consensus from the ASAS working group (Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis Working Group) established at the OMERACT IV (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology).
ankylosing spondylitis; instruments; quality of life
