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INTRODUCTION

SpA is a group of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases that mainly affect the axial skeleton, but may also associate peripheral manifestations such as arthritis, enthesitis and dactylitis.

AIM

Describe the peripheral manifestations of SpA.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of SpA patients received at the rheumatology department of CHU Ignace Deen in Conakry over a one-year period from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. The diagnosis of SpA was retained in accordance with the ASAS (Assessment of spondyloarthritis internationnal society) classification and data on peripheral manifestations were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients met the criteria and 82 had at least one peripheral involvement (29.8%). The mean age was 52.3 years, with females predominating in 58 (70.5%) cases. The mean time to diagnosis was 11 years. The most frequent peripheral manifestation was peripheral joint involvement (78%), followed by peripheral enthesitis (36.6%). The predominant clinical form was axial in 51.2%, with HLA-B27 antigen present in 63% and sacroiliitis in 51.2%. Treatment was based on NSAIDs (67.1%).

CONCLUSION

Peripheral manifestations are becoming increasingly frequent in SpA, and are dominated by peripheral joint involvement. The predominant clinical form was axial, with a strong association with HLA-B27.