Recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis - Canada (CRA/SPARCC)

Canadian Rheumatology Association/Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada living treatment recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis

Objective: To provide a set of living treatment recommendations that will give contemporary guidance on the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in Canada.

Methods: The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC), in conjunction with the Canadian Rheumatology Association, organized a treatment recommendations panel composed of rheumatologists, researchers, allied health professionals, and a patient advocate. A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT approach was used, in which existing guidelines were adopted or adapted to a Canadian context. Recommendations were also placed in a health equity framework.

Results: Fifty-six recommendations were made for patients with active axSpA, stable axSpA, active or stable axSpA, for comorbidities, and for assessment, screening, and imaging. Recommendations were also made for principles of management, disease monitoring, and ethical considerations.

Conclusion: These living treatment recommendations will provide up-to-date guidance for the management of axSpA for Canadian practice. As part of the living model, they will be updated regularly as changes occur in the treatment landscape.


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