Objective To examine the links between the quality of life (QOL) and season
and weather conditions in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.
Methods A cohort of 146 AS patients (67% males), with a mean age of 47.3 ye
ars and a mean disease duration of 12.8 years, answered a self-administered
questionnaire, the AS-AIMS2 validated for AS, 4 times over a period of one
year in a postal survey. Clinical measures were assessed in a subsample of
the cohort. Meteorological data including daily temperature, hygrometry, w
ind speed and atmospheric pressure were collected over the same period
Results In this cohort, 106 patients completed the follow-up. 4 higher lumb
ar spine flexibility (Schober index) was associated with a higher climatic
temperature and lower wind speed. Physical QOL improved in the summer, as d
id Social Interaction in the summer and fall, while Role QOL decreased in w
inter. A lower perceived QOL was significantly associated with a higher tem
perature and rt ind speed over the past 4 weeks, and with a higher hygromet
ry and atmospheric pressure over the past 2 days prior To completion of the
questionnaire.
Conclusion This study provides some support to the popular belief and frequ
ent patient complaints of a link between health status and perceived qualit
y of life, as assessed by a specific questionnaire, with season and weather
conditions.