Sharif K, et al. - During this study, researchers probed into the existence of an association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using data from the largest electronic medical records database in Israel, the Clalit Health Services (CHS). A higher proportion of COPD was found in AS patients compared to the controls. Obtained data supported a correlation between AS and COPD, thereby extending the link between COPD and autoimmune diseases. The significance of smoking cessation in AS patients was underscored and it raised questions regarding the requirement of COPD screening.