Translation and validation of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) for use in Ukraine.

The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the original English-language versions of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) into Ukrainian and validate the instruments by administering them to Ukrainian patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). After consensual translation, cultural adaptation, and back-translation into English, the Ukrainian versions of BASDAI and BASFI were transformed into numerical rating scales and tested on 87 Ukrainian AS patients meeting the modified 1984 New York criteria for AS. The Ukrainian versions were easily understood by the patients and displayed high levels of internal consistency and good reliability.

[The effect of fosamax on bone tissue function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (based on x-ray densitometry data)].

Data are submitted on results of investigations designed to study mineral density of the osseous tissue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during therapy with phosamax. Revealed in the study were both a positive clinical effect of the above-named drug and its protective action with respect to systemic resorption of the osseous tissue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

[The mineral density of the bone tissue in patients with rheumatic diseases of the joints (based on x-ray densitometry data)].

Manifestations were studied of systemic osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, primary osteoarthrosis, and ankylosing spondylarthritis. There have been disclosed differently directed changes in mineral density of lumbar spine and thigh bone segments related to phase of the illness as well as to the treatments administered, patient age, and impact of the post-menopausal period (in female patients). A conclusion has been reached that it is necessary that the above-mentioned studies be made in order that we might choose relevant therapeutic alternatives for patients with rheumatic afflictions of the joints.