Question 1

Is BASDAI affected by concurrent fibromyalgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes — BASDAI includes fatigue and pain domains that may be elevated in patients with concomitant fibromyalgia, potentially overestimating SpA disease activity. The ASAS fibromyalgia screening tool can help differentiate.

Question 2

Can BASDAI be used for non-radiographic axial SpA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the same BASDAI instrument is used for both radiographic and non-radiographic axial SpA. The threshold for active disease (≥4) and treatment response criteria (BASDAI50) apply equally.

Question 3

How does BASDAI complement ASDAS?

Accepted Answer

ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score) combines BASDAI questions with acute-phase reactants (CRP or ESR). BASDAI is purely patient-reported; ASDAS adds laboratory data and has better discrimination for treatment response.

Question 4

How often should BASDAI be measured?

Accepted Answer

At baseline before starting or changing therapy, then every 4–12 weeks during treatment optimisation, and every 3–6 months in stable patients on maintenance therapy.