Selection of a Method for Scoring Radiographs for Ankylosing Spondylitis Clinical Trials, by the Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis Working Group and OMERACT

DÉSIRÉE VAN DER HEIJDE, ROBERT LANDEWÉ, and the ASAS Working Group

ABSTRACT.

Radiographs are important for assessing structural damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS); this technology was selected by the international ASsessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) Working Group as an important domain for assessing outcome in clinical trials. The selection of a preferred scoring method based on the OMERACT filter still needs to be undertaken. This article describes the scientific basis for and process of making the selection. Finally, both the ASAS Working Group and OMERACT participants voted for the modified Stoke AS Spinal Score (mSASSS) as the preferred scoring method for use in clinical trials in AS. (J Rheumatol 2005; 32:2048-9)

Key Indexing Terms:

IMAGING
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
SCORING METHODS
RADIOGRAPHS

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From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital Maastricht, and CAPHRI Research Institute, University Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

D.M.F.M. van der Heijde, MD, PhD, Professor of Rheumatology; R.B.M. Landewé, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Rheumatology.

Address reprint requests to Prof. D. van der Heijde, University Hospital Maastricht, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. E-mail: dhe@sint.azm.nl

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