Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, particularly where it connects to the pelvis. This condition can lead to inflammation of the eyes and bowels, in addition to causing back pain. Over time, joint mobility in the affected areas may deteriorate. AS is thought to arise from a mix of genetic and environmental influences, with over 90% of UK patients possessing the HLA-B27 antigen. The disease mechanism is suspected to be autoimmune or autoinflammatory in nature. Diagnosis relies on symptom evaluation, supplemented by medical imaging and blood tests. AS is classified as a seronegative spondyloarthropathy, indicating an absence of rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies.

There is no cure for AS, but treatment options include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Medications aim to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and halt disease progression by addressing inflammation. Common treatments involve NSAIDs, TNF inhibitors, IL-17 antagonists, and DMARDs, with glucocorticoid injections used for acute flare-ups.

Approximately 0.1% to 0.8% of the population is affected by AS, usually beginning in young adulthood. Both men and women are equally susceptible, although women are more prone to inflammation without fusion.