Racial Differences in Clinical Features and Co-morbidities In Ankylosing Spondylitis in the United States

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

Methods 28, 520 patients with AS were identified in the Explorys database. Data were stratified by two rheumatology visits, race, gender, clinical characteristics, medication use and co-morbidities. Data sets were recorded as proportions, which were compared using chisquared test (p<0.05).

Results Of the 10,990 AS patients, 8% were African-Americans (AA) and had elevated ESR, CRP, high frequency of anterior uveitis, hypertension, diabetes, depression and heart disease.

Conclusion AA with AS in the US have high disease activity and co-morbidities compared to Caucasians.