In this Article

• What is ankylosing spondylitis?
• What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
• What are ankylosing spondylitis symptoms?
• How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
• What are treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis?
• What is in the future for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
• Ankylosing Spondylitis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Ankylosing Spondylitis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Glossary
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Index
• Find a local Rheumatologist in your town

What is in the future for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis and each of the spondyloarthropathies are areas of active research. The relationship between infectious agents and the triggering of chronic inflammation is vigorously being pursued. Factors that perpetuate "autoimmunity" are being identified. The characteristics of the gene marker HLA-B27 are being further defined. In fact, there are now known to be seven different subtypes of HLA-B27.

The impact of the recent discovery of the two additional genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, associated with ankylosing spondylitis (described above under "Causes") cannot be overstated. These genes seem to play a role in influencing immune function. It is anticipated that by understanding the effects of each of these known genes researchers will make significant progress in discovering a cure for ankylosing spondylitis.

As more about the precise mechanisms these genes use to influence the immune system is understood, the discovery of a cure will be possible. Moreover, results of ongoing research will lead to a better understanding and treatment of the entire group of diseases collectively known as spondyloarthropathies.

Ankylosing Spondylitis At A Glance

• Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of arthritis conditions which tend to cause chronic inflammation of the spine (spondyloarthropathies).
• Ankylosing spondylitis affects males two to three times more commonly than females.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is a cause of back pain in adolescents and young adults.
• The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited.
• The HLA-B27 gene can be detected in the blood of most patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the eyes, heart, lungs, and occasionally the kidneys.
• The optimal treatment of ankylosing spondylitis involves medications that reduce inflammation or suppress immunity, physical therapy, and exercise.

For more information about ankylosing spondylitis, please visit the Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org/).

REFERENCES:

Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. Springer, edited by John H. Klippel, et al., 2008.

Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et al., 2000.

American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific National Meeting, 2005-8.

Ankylosing Spondylitis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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