Cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of clinical characteristics and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with the presence of rhythm and conduction disturbances. Materials and methods: Forty six hospitalized patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis meeting the 1984 New York criteria with excluded coronary artery disease were included in our study. Clinical methods of examination, laboratory methods of examination, electrocardiography, daily monitoring of electrocardiography were used. Results: Rhythm and conduction disturbances were found in 28.3% of patients. No statistically significant differences in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) clinical characteristics and treatment were obtained between groups with and without arrhythmia/conduction disturbances. Patients with early/advanced AS stage were more likely to have rhythm and conduction disturbances comparing with patients with late stage of AS (p=0.08). Arrhythmias and conduction disturbances were prevalent in patients, treated with TNF -blockers (p=0.06). Conclusions: Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis by TNF-blockers may be associated with formation of cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances.