In Ankylosing Spondylitis, the The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Spinal Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) are used to obtain coverage for Etanercept.
These forms are available here unprotected.
For ankylosing spondylitis, there are specific criteria required for inclusion of Etanercept. Our drug plan has the following:
1. Have already been treated conventionally with two or more NSAIDS taken sequentially at maximum tolerated or recommended doses for four weeks without symptom control.
2. Satisfy New York diagnostic criteria: a score > 4 on the BASDAI AND a score of > 4 cm on the 0 -10cm spinal pain VAS on two occasions at least 12 weeks apart without any change of treatment.
For Renewal:
Have had an adequate response to treatment assessed at 12 weeks defined as at least 50% reduction in pre-treatment baseline BASDAI score or by > 2 units AND a reduction of > 2 cm in the spinal pain VAS.
Form for such available here
The criteria require maximal doses of two NSAIDS – One showing promise with earlier response was meloxicam 22.5 mg/day(Mobicox in Canada; Mobic in USA). This is a partially selective COX2 inhibitor.
article suggestive here