Does Sulfasalazine Still Have Therapeutic Value in the Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis? A Real‐World Cohort Study From China

SSZ reduces disease activity, improves quality of life among ax-SpA patients, reduces the incidence of peripheral symptoms, and delays their onset. About one-third of ax-SpA patients develop peripheral symptoms over time, which are associated with poorer functional status and quality of life. Smoking increases this risk, while male gender and SSZ use offer protection.