OBJECTIVES: Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory arthritic disease characterized by involvement of the spine, sacroiliac joints or both.  Subtypes of axSpA include non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) without radiographic sacroilitis confirmation, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with radiographic sacroilitis confirmation. These diseases are recognized within a spectrum of disease. Evidence suggests further stratification of nr-axSpA (e.g., MRI +/- or CRP +/-) may clarify the continuum of axSpA and improve clinical practice. Study objectives include illustrating burden of illness (BOI) similarities between the classic and further stratified axSpA categories to suggest an improved diagnosis paradigm, and comparing BOI findings between nr-axSpA and AS subgroups to inform clinical practice. METHODS: English-language literature was searched systematically in Ovid SP, MEDLINE and EMBASE (2009–2014) for studies that described BOI characteristics of nr-axSpA and AS including prevalence, disease activity, functioning, HRQL, productivity and medication utilization. PICO statement (population, intervention, comparator and outcome) search terms were used. Supplementary records were obtained by searching American College of Rheumatology 2012 & 2013 and European League Against Rheumatism 2013 & 2014 scientific meeting abstracts. Additionally, electronic trial registries (e.g., clinicaltrials.gov), the USFDA website and article references were searched.  RESULTS: