Disease pattern of spondyloarthropathies in Spain: description of the first national registry (REGISPONSER)—extended report

Objective. The national registry of spondyloarthropathies (REGISPONSER) is launched to classify patients with this group of diseases treated in Spanish rheumatology clinics. This manuscript describes the methodological and organizational background as well as characteristics of patients finally included, and provides a comparative analysis between characteristics of both ankylosing spondylitis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy groups of patients. Patients and methods. Twelve members of the GRESSER group have participated in the registry, for a one-year recruitment period. All consecutively registered adult patients treated in their clinics met the classification criteria of the European Spondyloarthropathies Study Group (ESSG). Data collected reflect the socio-demographic characteristics, as well as disease activity and functional status, clinical form at onset, treatment used and quality of life; all measured by standard instruments