Introduction

These web pages provides a synopsis of the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI), the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath AS Patient Global Score (BAS-G). The creation of the Bath indices stem from the work of a research team consisting of rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and research associates with a specialist interest in AS. With respect to the functional and disease activity indices, the team obtained input from patients with AS. It was felt that such input heightens the clinical relevance of such measures. All indices produce a score out of 10, giving a clear numerical outcome each time the indices are used, therefore providing an easy comparable to refer to.

All four indices have been studied for reliability, speed, variability, reproducibility, and sensitivity to change. The studies involved a good sample size of between 163 and 392 subjects, some of which were in patients undergoing an intensive course of physiotherapy for 2 to 3 weeks. Comparables were made with the original metrology assessment of 20 measurements, the Dougados functional index, the previous Bath disease activity index and the Newcastle Enthesis Index. The results of this research are summarised in these web pages. For more detail, the reader is encouraged to refer to the original articles that are referenced at the back of these web pages.

With the recent licensing of anti-TNF medication for use in AS patients, the Bath Indices (in particular the BASDAI) are being proposed to form part of the screening process for anti-TNF allocation and to monitor the outcomes of the medication. Therefore, it is important that individuals standardise methods used for calculating these Bath Indices’ scores. To aid this, a guide in calculating each score is provided within these web pages.

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