Racial Differences in Clinical Features and Comorbidities in Ankylosing Spondylitis in the United States

Objective. To examine racial differences of clinical features, medication usage, and comorbidities of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the United States.

Methods. In the Explorys database, 28,520 patients with AS were identified. Data were stratified by 2 rheumatology visits, race, sex, clinical characteristics, medication use, and comorbidities. Datasets were recorded as proportions, which were compared using chi-square test (p < 0.05).

Results. Of the 10,990 patients with AS, 8% were African Americans and had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, and high frequency of anterior uveitis, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.

Conclusion. African Americans with AS in the United States have high disease activity and comorbidities compared to whites.