Short-Term Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Sulfasalazine in the Management of Axial Spondyloarthropathy.

introductionAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory spondyloarthropathy that involves the sacroiliac joints and the axial skeleton. Sulfasalazine's efficacy in treating the axial symptoms of AS has been a subject of controversy.

methodsThis prospective observational study recruited AS patients and categorized them into two groups: the first group had AS for less than or equal to four years and the second group had AS for more than four years. Erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded at baseline and at six-month follow-up. Disease severity was assessed using the ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) score, and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) score.

resultsA total of 33 patients diagnosed with AS were recruited in this study, mostly males (88%) and within 21-30 years of age. ESR and CRP values were measured at baseline and at six months post-treatment with sulfasalazine. Mean ESR and mean CRP values showed a statistically significant reduction of 43.5% (p=0.001) and 58.45% (p=0.0012) respectively, at the 6-month follow-up. Four patients (12.12%) reported gastrointestinal intolerance. The mean reduction in the ASDAS score was 24% (p=0.002), the BASDAI score was 40.08% (p=0.001), and the BASFI score was 39.54% (p=0.01). Additionally, the duration of symptoms did not appear to influence with efficacy of sulfasalazine. DISCUSSION: Sulfasalazine is a safe alternative therapy for patients with AS who cannot afford biologics, due to its reasonable short-term efficacy, good tolerability, cost-effective nature, and low incidence of adverse effects.