Axial Spondyloarthritis: Reshape the Future-From the 2022 GISEA International Symposium

The term axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) refers to a group of chronic rheumatic diseases that predominantly involve the axial skeleton and consist of ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, arthritis/spondylitis associated with psoriasis (PsA) and arthritis/spondylitis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Moreover, pain is an important and common symptom of axSpA. It may progress to chronic pain, a more complicated bio-psychosocial phenomena, leading to a significant worsening of quality of life. The development of the axSpA inflammatory process is grounded in the complex interaction between genetic (such as HLA B27), epigenetic, and environmental factors associated with a dysregulated immune response. Considering the pivotal contribution of IL-23 and IL-17 in axSpA inflammation, the inhibition of these cytokines has been evaluated as a potential therapeutic strategy. With this context, here we discuss the main pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic approaches and the role of pain in axSpA from the 2022 International GISEA/OEG Symposium.

Automated summary

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a group of chronic rheumatic diseases primarily affecting the axial skeleton. It includes ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, arthritis/spondylitis associated with psoriasis (PsA), and arthritis/spondylitis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Pain is a common and important symptom of axSpA, which can progress to chronic pain and significantly impact the quality of life. The development of axSpA inflammation involves complex interactions between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, as well as dysregulated immune responses. Inhibition of IL-23 and IL-17 has been explored as a potential therapeutic strategy for axSpA.