Table 2

Spinal symptoms at baseline and 2 years in early axSpA and non-axSpA patients

AxSpANon-axSpA
Baseline2 yearsP value
(within group*)
Baseline2 yearsP value
(within group*)
Overall back pain intensity‡, N25094
Mean (SD)4.0 (2.4)2.6 (2.3)<0.001†5.5 (2.2)3.9 (2.6)<0.001†
Change over time, mean (SD)−1.4 (2.5)−1.6 (2.4)
Present (score >2), n (%)169 (68)107 (43)85 (90)63 (67)
Back pain at night intensity‡, N24894
Mean (SD)3.6 (2.9)2.2 (2.5)<0.001†4.6 (2.7)3.6 (2.8)0.001†
Change over time, mean (SD)−1.4 (2.9)−1.0 (2.7)
Present (score >2), n (%)147 (59)82 (33)71 (76)56 (60)
Morning stiffness intensity§, N261106
Mean (SD)4.7 (2.9)3.1 (2.6)<0.001†6.0 (2.8)4.0 (3.0)<0.001†
Change over time, mean (SD)−1.6 (3.2)−1.9 (2.9)
Present (score >2), n (%)186 (71)126 (48)89 (84)66 (62)
Morning stiffness duration§, N260107
Mean (SD)3.6 (2.8)2.3 (2.4)<0.001†4.6 (2.9)3.1 (2.9)<0.001†
Change over time, mean (SD)−1.2 (3.0)−1.5 (3.1)
Present (score >2), n (%)159 (61)97 (37)82 (77)51 (48)
Overall morning stiffness§, N260106
Mean (SD)4.1 (2.6)2.7 (2.3)<0.001†5.3 (2.5)3.6 (2.8)<0.001†
Change over time, mean (SD)−1.4 (2.8)−1.7 (2.6)
Present (score >2), n (%)184 (71)128 (49)92 (87)68 (64)
  • *Comparison of outcomes at baseline and 2 years within groups.

  • †Statistical significance.

  • ‡<20% missing data.

  • §<15% missing data.

  • axSpA, axial spondyloarthritis.