World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day 2023: New Treatment Options for AS in India Health

The month of May has been recognized as Axial Spondyloarthritis Awareness Month, serving as an opportunity to raise awareness about the condition, its symptoms, and available treatments, and World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day is celebrated internationally each May. Celebrated on the first Saturday. This year, World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6th. During this time, various organizations, patient advocacy groups, and health care providers will host events, educational programs, and online campaigns to raise awareness and support for those affected.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Akshat Pandey, director of the Indore Arthritis and Bone Care Association said: On this World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day, let’s talk about disease management with a variety of existing and new treatment options.The global prevalence of AS is he 1.7%. Recent studies have shown that AS is more common in men than in women. Men are almost three times more likely to develop AS than women. This gender bias is thought to be due to a combination of genetic mutations and hormonal factors. ”

Dr. Suvrat Arya, MD, DM, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Jaypee Hospital, Noida, similarly leveraged his expertise, emphasizing: Long-term back pain, movement discomfort, back stiffness, etc., interfere with daily life. This leads to poor quality of life. According to research published in 2020, the most important treatment attributes expected in these patients are improved quality of life and symptom relief. AS had the most negative impact on physical function, affecting a range of lifestyle characteristics, including sports participation and career choices, the study said. Early diagnosis of the disease is therefore very important to improve quality of life. ”

Regarding new treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis, said Dr. Shashank Akerkar, Consultant Rheumatologist, Mumbai Arthritis Clinic, Mumbai. For people living with AS. One of his most common treatment options for AS is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help reduce pain and inflammation and are often the first line of treatment for AS. Contrary to popular belief, they are not just “pain relievers” but have powerful “anti-inflammatory” functions. They reduce the inflammation associated with AS. and other side effects, so it may not be suitable for everyone. ”

“In recent years, biologics have emerged as a viable treatment option for AS. Biologics are a class of drugs that target specific proteins of the immune system that cause inflammation. Biologics can help reduce symptoms and slow disease progression in AS.Biologics commonly used to treat AS include adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept. These drugs are given by injection or infusion and are usually prescribed by a rheumatologist.Biological agents are effective in treating AS, but they are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.”

Dr. Shashank Akerkar suggests: Tofacitinib has been shown to be effective in reducing AS symptoms and improving quality of life for patients. Tofacitinib is an effective drug and less expensive than biologics. In conclusion, AS can be a debilitating condition, but new treatment options are now available in India to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with AS. Whether it’s NSAIDs, biologics, or tofacitinib, there are options to help people with AS manage their condition and improve their quality of life. If you have AS, talk to your rheumatologist about which treatment is best for you. ”