Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| [b] Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| [c] Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| [d] Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Hyun Im Moon, MD, PhD, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, 20, Seohyeon-ro 180 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seoungnam-si, 13590, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Tel.: +82 31 779 0647; Fax: +82 31 779 0635; E-mail: feellove99@gmail.com.
Abstract: Background:Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder. The etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is multifactorial; however, inflammation is receiving an increasing amount of attention as an underlying cause of the neurodegenerative process of PD. Objective:We performed a nationwide longitudinal, population-based matched cohort study to assess the association with the later development of parkinsonism in Korea. Methods:This study was conducted using records from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. The cumulative incidence rate of PD was estimated. Fine–Gray subdistribution hazard models were used to identify hazards associated with PD development based on the presence of AS. Exposure to anti-inflammatory drugs was measured and analyzed to determine the protective effect of these medications. Additionally, the hazard ratio (HR) for atypical parkinsonism was estimated. Results:The results of the Fine–Gray subdistribution hazard model revealed that the HR for PD development in the AS group was 1.82 (95%confidence interval [CI], 1.38–2.39, p < 0.001). A significant decrease in PD development was observed in patients with AS taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The HR for atypical parkinsonism in the AS group was 3.86 (95%CI, 1.08–13.78, p < 0.05). Conclusion:We found that AS was associated with an increased risk of PD and atypical parkinsonism. NSAIDs used for AS control have some protective effects against PD. Further studies assessing whether biological treatment mitigates PD risk in patients with high activity are warranted.
Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis, Parkinson’s disease, population-based cohort, National Health Insurance
