Ankylosing Spondylitis

The treatment goal for ankylosing spondylitis is not a complete cure, but rather low disease activity (LDA) based on the ASDAS score or clinical remission. There are reports that approximately 40–60% of patients using TNF inhibitors reach ASDAS-LDA within the first year. Upon achieving remission, radiological progression significantly decreases, and quality of life (SF-36, ASQoL) recovers to near-normal levels. However, since recurrence usually occurs within 6 to 12 months after discontinuing medication, long-term maintenance treatment is necessary. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective

In Korean medicine, a concept similar to remission is a state where Qi and blood circulate smoothly and organ functions are in balance. To maintain this state, it is necessary to consistently reinforce the fundamental basis of kidney deficiency while managing recurrence triggers caused by environmental, dietary, and emotional stimuli. At Dongjedang, even after remission, we monitor immune regulation through maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months and propose treatment to preemptively reinforce kidney yang in response to seasonal changes (increased cold pathogens in autumn and winter). The true goal of treatment is to maintain daily life without recurrence.