The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society has published a core set for assessing axial spondyloarthritis in routine clinical practice (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 16 October 2026), developed through a literature review, a Delphi survey of ASAS members, other rheumatologists and patients, and an endorsement vote at the 2026 ASAS meeting.
For routine visits it names five domains: disease activity, pain, peripheral manifestations, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations and treatment aspects, each with one recommended instrument and optional alternatives. For extended visits it adds four: structural damage, overall functioning and health, comorbidities and mobility.
The value is consistency. Uveitis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel symptoms, and treatment adherence and side effects, are easy to skip in a short follow-up; a core set makes them part of every visit.
- At every routine axial spondyloarthritis visit, record disease activity, pain, peripheral joints and entheses, extra-musculoskeletal features and treatment issues.
- Ask specifically about eye pain or redness, psoriasis and bowel symptoms.
- Schedule periodic extended visits to assess structural damage, function, comorbidities and spinal mobility.
- Use the recommended instruments in the ASAS publication so results are comparable over time.
Why it matters
Standardising what is measured makes treat-to-target decisions comparable from visit to visit and clinic to clinic.
Don't overread it
This is a consensus framework, not evidence that using it improves outcomes.
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