The impact of sequelae of COVID-19 on the course of ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to study the clinical features of the course of ankylosing spondylitis: functional activity, dynamics of inflammation markers and other disorders in patients in the post COVID period. Materials and methods. The research included 50 patients with ankylosing spondylitis who had undergone COVID-19 and 20 patients who did not have a history of COVID-19. All patients underwent an assessment on the BASDAI, BASFI,ASDAS, VAS (pain) scales, as well as biochemical, immunological, nstrumental (X-ray, MRI of the pelvis and spine, ECG, ECHOCG) investigations. Results. High indices of Lansbury, BASDAI, BASFI, ASDAS and VAS scales were noted in the main group than in the control, which indicates the severity of functional disorders. In the majority of patients of main group bilateral sacroiliitis, enthesopathies, and disorders of cardiovascular function (disturbances of myocardial excitability, electrical conduction, damage of valves, an increase size of chambers) were revealed. Conclusions. A direct negative effect of the postponed coronavirus infection on the course of ankylosing spondylitis has been established: the resistance of the disease activity, more pronounced violations of functional activity, as well as disorders of the cardiovascular system.