Axial SpA and Ophthalmology - Rheum for Improvement

Dr Nima's Eye Pod

Repost of the NASS Rheum for Improvement Podcast from last year - hosted by Lucy Davies and featuring Rheumatology Professor Karl Gaffney and myself as we discussed acute anterior uveitis 👁️(inflammation in the front of the eye) in the context of Axial SpA (aka AS or Ankylosing Spondylitis) - a type of inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine & sacroiliac joints and linked to HLAB27 ‣

40% of these patients could have spondyloarthritis, including AS, and in this pod we discuss these links, discover how ophthalmologists can identify AS in their patients and the vital role of collaboration between ophthalmology and rheumatology.

There is still an 8.5 year diagnostic delay in AS, and collaboration amongst healthcare professionals is critical to streamline the diagnostic process and to improve the overall quality of life for those living with this condition.

Useful Resources:

➤ Act on Axial SpA: campaign https://actonaxialspa.com

➤ Recognising axial SpA in Ophth: https://actonaxialspa.com/recognising-axial-spa-in-ophthalmology/

➤ Papers of interest: https://actonaxialspa.com/ophthalmology/

➤ Toolkit for HCPs: https://actonaxialspa.com/hcp-toolkit/

➤ Helpful vids: https://cloud.info.ucb.com/NASS_all_content & https://cloud.info.ucb.com/NASS_all_content/full_video_January

➤ For patients: Guide to #uveitis in AS covering diagnosis & managementhttps://nass.co.uk/resource/nass-guide-to-uveitis/

➤ Patient Information Leaflet: https://nass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/resources/Uveitis-Guide.pdf