Gender- and age-related differences in laboratory, clinical, and functional outcomes in Turkish patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A cross-sectional, single-center study

Creative Commons License

Kuş G., Pekdiker M., Kimyon G.

Ulusal Romatoloji Dergisi, cilt.18, sa.1, ss.37-42, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)

Özet

Objective

Identifying factors influenced by gender- and age-related differences may be critical for predicting disease progression and guiding clinical management in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gender differences in laboratory, demographic, and clinical features. Additionally, it aimed to investigate gender differences in functional outcomes across age groups among Turkish patients with AS.

Methods

Patients with AS were enrolled in the present study. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical features were collected. Functional assessments included pain, disease activity, spinal mobility, lower-limb performance, static and dynamic balance, kinesiophobia, and fall-related concerns. Demographic and laboratory features and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) from history were compared between genders. Functional features were compared between genders in two age groups (36-45 and 46-60 years).

Results

A total of 103 patients with AS participated in the present study. Erythrocyte sedimentation rates were significantly higher in women (p=0.01). In contrast, radiological stage levels, history of anti-TNF-a treatment, and the proportion of patients who were current or former smokers were significantly higher in men (p<0.05). In the 36-45 age group, dynamic balance scores and fall-related concerns were significantly higher in women than in men (p<0.05). In the 46-60-year age group, spinal mobility was significantly worse in men (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that women aged 36-45 years may particularly benefit from targeted interventions to improve dynamic balance and reduce fall-related concerns. Among men aged 46-60 years, approaches that enhance spinal mobility and flexibility may be especially useful. Overall, these results highlight the importance of implementing gender- and age-specific monitoring and preventive strategies in clinical practice for patients with AS.