Combining Traditional Chinese and Western medicine to improve function in ankylosing spondylitis
Official title: Evaluating the Efficacy and Short-Term Prognosis of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS): A Protocol for a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Run by China-Japan Friendship Hospital · NCT07556224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether combining Traditional Chinese and Western medicine improves how well adults with ankylosing spondylitis can function after six months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 790 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | China-Japan Friendship Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07556224 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–75 with axial ankylosing spondylitis who meet the modified New York or ASAS criteria and can give informed consent are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other autoimmune diseases, pregnancy or lactation, severe cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, hepatic or renal failure, malignancy, or non-axial spondyloarthritis forms are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, prospective observational cohort following adults with ankylosing spondylitis who receive integrated Traditional Chinese and Western medical care at participating hospitals. The primary outcome is change in the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) after six months of treatment. Patients meeting standard diagnostic criteria (modified New York or ASAS) and aged 18–75 will be enrolled and followed for short-term functional outcomes and prognosis. Data collection will include clinical measures, treatment details as delivered in routine care, and safety/comorbidity information to characterize real-world effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer improved short-term physical function and prognosis for patients using a combined TCM and Western treatment strategy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials and observational reports have suggested symptomatic benefit from TCM or integrated approaches in ankylosing spondylitis, but high-quality randomized evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * fulfill the 1984 modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis or the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis * age between 18 and 75 years * sign informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases besides the disease under investigation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, erythema nodosum, myositis, etc.) * pregnancy or lactation * comorbid severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, hepatic or renal failure, or malignancy * spondyloarthritis related to enteropathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or reactive arthritis * unable to provide data due to mental, language, or similar factors.
Where it's running
-
China-Japan Friendship Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jiaqi Liu
- Email: benxiliujiaqi@163.com
- Phone: +86 19804148523
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.