[Ankylosing spondylitis in Central and Eastern Europe. Cross-sectional study on treatment modalities, disease activity and quality of life].

Objectives: To obtain information on the profile of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), disease activity, previous and current treatments, and the proportion and profile of patients treated with conventional medications but considered eligible for anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy.

Methods: Participants were rheumatologists from seven Central and Eastern European countries who were considered experts in the treatment of AS and were to include 3-5 patients who had never received anti-TNF therapy. Rheumatologists were asked to decide whether they considered their patients candidates for anti-TNF therapy.