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Volume 13, Issue 1
March 2026
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Volume 13, Issue 1
March 2026
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Journals article Monograph Review

“Ankylosing spondylitis – an old disease with new perspectives”

Ninel Revenco

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Ninel Revenco . “Ankylosing spondylitis – an old disease with new perspectives”. Mold J Health Sci. 2026;1(13):157.

MONOGRAPH REVIEW

“Ankylosing spondylitis – an old disease with new perspectives”

Author: Lia Chișlari, MD, PhD, associate professor

Discipline of Rheumatology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, 

Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova

Monograph details: Chișlari L. Spondilita anchilozantă – boală veche, cu viziuni noi [Ankylosing spondylitis – an old disease with new perspectives]. Chișinău; 2025. 180 p. ISBN 978-9975-173-85-8 Romanian.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) represents the prototype of seronegative spondyloarthritis, characterized by chronic inflammation, structural damage of the axial skeleton, and significant long-term functional impairment. In this context, the monograph “Ankylosing spondylitis – an old disease with new perspectives”, authored by Lia Chișlari, MD, PhD, associate professor, constitutes a comprehensive and timely scientific work that addresses both classical concepts and modern advances in the understanding and management of this disease.

The monograph is developed under the auspices of the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy and has been favorably evaluated by academic scientific bodies, confirming its scholarly quality. It is addressed to a wide audience, including rheumatologists, internists, family physicians, and specialists involved in spinal disorders, serving as both a theoretical reference and a practical guide.

A major strength of this work is the integration of original research conducted by the author. The monograph includes well-designed clinical and translational studies, particularly focusing on the role of the intestinal microbiome in ankylosing spondylitis. The author presents original data obtained from a cohort of patients with AS compared to healthy controls, demonstrating significant differences in gut microbiota composition and structure. These findings are analyzed using appropriate statistical methods and are interpreted in the context of current international literature, supporting the hypothesis that microbiota alterations may play a role in disease pathogenesis and may represent potential biomarkers for early diagnosis.

In addition to microbiome research, the monograph discusses clinically relevant pathogenetic associations, including infectious triggers and their relationship with specific clinical phenotypes of spondyloarthritis. The author critically evaluates these associations, avoiding speculative conclusions and maintaining a balanced, evidence-based perspective. This analytical approach reflects scientific maturity and methodological rigor.

From a clinical standpoint, the monograph offers a thorough and up-to-date overview of diagnostic strategies, including clinical assessment, classification criteria (ASAS), imaging techniques, and disease activity indices. Therapeutic management is presented in accordance with current international recommendations, covering non-pharmacological interventions, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and advanced biological therapies. The emphasis on individualized treatment strategies and long-term disease monitoring enhances the practical value of the work.

The didactic quality of the monograph is also noteworthy. The content is logically structured, progressing from fundamental concepts to advanced pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. The inclusion of illustrative figures, tables, and clinical algorithms significantly improves clarity and usability, making the monograph suitable for medical education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

In conclusion, “Ankylosing spondylitis – an old disease with new perspectives” is a scientifically solid, original, and clinically relevant monograph. It successfully combines comprehensive literature synthesis with original research and practical clinical guidance. The work represents a valuable contribution to Romanian-language medical literature and serves as an important reference for specialists, trainees, and educators in rheumatology and related fields.

 

Ninel Revenco, MD, PhD, Dr. Hab., university professor 

Head of Department of Pediatrics

Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova

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