Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A Cohort Study Protocol Focusing on Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Scoring System

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-75
SponsorChina-Japan Friendship Hospital

About this trial

This study is a multicentre, ambidirectional, observational cohort study. The ambidirectional design incorporates both the collection of retrospective data from the three years prior to enrolment, and a prospective follow-up period of up to two years. The study is designed to evaluate the long-term effects of Integrated Medicine on radiographic progression in patients diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

fulfill the 1984 modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis or the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis

age between 18 and 75 years

sign informed consent.

Disqualifiers

diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases besides the disease under investigation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, erythema nodosum, myositis, etc.)

pregnancy or lactation

comorbid severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, hepatic or renal failure, or malignancy

spondyloarthritis related to enteropathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or reactive arthritis

Trial population

Patients with Ankylosing spondylitis

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Other

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

210 Participants
are grouped into 2 trial groups
Group A: exposed group
Group B: non-exposed group

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

The change in Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scores from baseline to 12 months

The primary outcome measure assesses the changes in spinal inflammation following one year of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Integrated Medicine) treatment. Select six consecutive vertebral units showing the most pronounced oedema (each unit comprising the vertebral body and the two inferior vertebral angles) for scoring; the total score ranges from 0 to 30 points. A reduction in the total score before and after treatment (e.g. from 20 to 8 points) indicates that the inflammation has been effectively controlled.

Time frame
Review the imaging data from up to three years prior to enrolment and assessed annually in the two-year follow-up period ahead.

Secondary outcomes

1

The change in SPARCC scores from baseline to 24 months

The change in SPARCC scores from baseline to 24 months, which is added to evaluate the longer-term durability of the treatment effect and to capture potential continued improvement or late-onset changes in spinal inflammation beyond the first year.

Time frame
Review the imaging data from up to three years prior to enrolment and assessed at baseline and 24 months.
2

The longitudinal progression of spinal inflammation

We will use the trajectory of SPARCC score changes at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months during the prospective follow-up to evaluate the longitudinal progression of spinal inflammatory lesions.

Time frame
Assessed annually in the two-year follow-up period ahead.
3

The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI)

To define and monitor physical functioning in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Score range is 0 - 10, with 0 reflecting no functional impairments and 10 reflecting maximal impairment.

Time frame
At baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months post-enrollment.
4

The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI),

To measure patient-reported disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Score ranges from 0 (no disease activity) to 10 (maximal disease activity). A cut off of 4 is used to define active disease. High disease activity: BASDAI ≥ 4; low disease activity: \< 4.

Time frame
At baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months post-enrollment.

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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China-Japan Friendship Hospital

Lead sponsor

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Collaborator

Guangxi Ruikang Hospital

Collaborator

The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Collaborator

Beijing Electric Power Hospital

Collaborator

Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Collaborator

Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Collaborator

Xi'an Fifth Hospital

Collaborator

Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Collaborator

Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Collaborator

Shunyi Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital

Collaborator