Prediction of Work Impact in Axial Spondyloarthritis by the Work Instability Scale: A Prospective Cohort Study of 101 Patients.

Objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may have an effect on work. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Work Instability Scale (AS-WIS) assesses difficulties at work. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the AS-WIS on work impact.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study with 2 timepoints (at baseline and after 1.5 yrs) that included patients with axSpA who had paid employment. Patients completed the AS-WIS at baseline and work instability was scored as moderate/high if ≥ 11 (0-20 scale). At follow-up, adverse work outcomes (AWO) were grouped as moderate (short-term sick leave) or severe AWO (long-term sick leave, disability, unemployment). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explain AWO.

Results: Of 101 patients, mean age 45 (SD 9) years, 52% male, disease duration was 14 (SD 8) years. The Bath AS Disease Activity Index and the Bath AS Functional Index were 34 (SD 21) and 23 (SD 23), respectively, and 69 (68%) received a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. At baseline, 46 (46%) patients had moderate/high AS-WIS. At 1.5 years of follow-up, 37 patients (36%) had AWO: 25 patients (25%) a short-term sick leave, and 12 patients (12%, 7/100 patient-years) a severe AWO. Independent baseline factors associated with AWO were a moderate/high AS-WIS score (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.04-7.22) and shorter disease duration (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99).

Conclusion: In patients with axSpA, a moderate/high AS-WIS score was predictive of AWO in this population with well-controlled axSpA. This short questionnaire can be helpful to screen for future difficulties at work.