One cross-sectional study conducted by Sharif et al. reported that patients with ankylosing spondylitis had a higher proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than controls (46% versus 18%, P < 0.001) [1]. After controlling for age, gender, and smoking status, a significant association exists between ankylosing spondylitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio 1.225, P = 0.031) [1]. We are interested in these findings. Currently, the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has not yet been investigated in Taiwan.
