Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease affecting the joints of the spine, whose main symptom is inflammatory low back pain. Its onset occurs between 20-30 years of age and in Spain up to 500,000 people suffer from it.
The REUMAVID study, a survey of 465 Spanish rheumatic patients, has quantified the impact of this health crisis on the management of the disease. The data show that more than half noticed that their health worsened during confinement.
82% were unable to continue with their quarterly scheduled appointment with the rheumatologist: 59% had their appointment cancelled, but had telephone follow-up, although 31% of those surveyed had their appointment cancelled without being given an alternative solution.
Link to the news item: El País
