Added value of biomarkers compared with clinical parameters for the prediction of radiographic spinal progression in axial spondyloarthritis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine whether adding biomarkers to routine clinical parameters improves prediction of radiographic spinal progression in axial spondyloarthritis.

Methods: One hundred and seventeen patients with ankylosing spondylitis who completed the Effects of NSAIDs on RAdiographic Damage in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ENRADAS) trial were included. Radiographic spinal progression was defined as worsening of the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score by ⩾2 points after 2 years.