Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network Recommendations for the Referral of Adults With Chronic Back Pain and Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis to a Rheumatologist - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Guidelines from the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network on Referring Adults with Chronic Back Pain for Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis Evaluation by Rheumatologists
Clinical Scorecard: Guidelines from the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network on Referring Adults with Chronic Back Pain for Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis Evaluation by Rheumatologists
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
Key Mechanisms
Immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting spine and sacroiliac joints
Target Population
Adults with chronic back pain beginning before age 45 years
Care Setting
Rheumatology
Key Highlights
AxSpA affects over 1% of U.S. adults, with significant disability and productivity losses.
5% of individuals with chronic back pain are estimated to have axSpA.
Mean diagnostic delay for axSpA is six to eight years, compared to four months for rheumatoid arthritis.
SPARTAN developed evidence-based referral recommendations for axSpA evaluation.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Referral to rheumatology for patients with chronic back pain and specific SpA features.
Management
Therapies include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin-17A inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Assess disease activity and treatment response regularly.
Risks
Delayed referral can lead to advanced disease and poorer long-term outcomes.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with chronic back pain and suspected axSpA.
Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with better outcomes.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize a scoring system based on positive likelihood ratios for axSpA features.
Encourage prompt referral to rheumatology for at-risk patients.
