A NEW study has shed light on the significant impact of gastrointestinal (GI) and psychological symptoms on disease activity and functional impairment in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients, even in the absence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary care for better patient outcomes.
SpA is primarily known as a musculoskeletal disorder, but this study found that two-thirds of patients experienced at least two GI symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Additionally, nearly half of the patients suffered from depression, with one in four reporting moderate to severe symptoms.
Researchers analysed 98 SpA patients from two outpatient rheumatology clinics and assessed their disease activity, functional impairment, and psychological well-being using validated scales. Laboratory tests measured inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and faecal calprotectin.
The findings revealed a strong correlation between high disease activity, GI symptoms, and psychological distress. Patients with higher levels of depression, stress, and perceived helplessness were more likely to report worse disease severity and greater functional impairment.
These results emphasise the need for early and comprehensive intervention, integrating gastroenterologists, rheumatologists, and mental health professionals to improve quality of life for SpA patients. The study suggests that addressing gut inflammation and mental health symptoms could be key to better disease management.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Arzuaga-Hernández Á et al. Impact of gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms on disease activity and functional impairment in patients with spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Rheumatol. 2025;DOI: 10.1186/s41927-025-00478-y.
