Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a member of a group of rheumatic diseases that affect the spinal column known as "spondyloarthropathies". AS is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease that causes arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joint - the joint at the base of the spine where the spinal column joins the pelvis. The chronic inflammation and irritation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) can eventually cause the vertebrae to fuse together, a condition known as "ankylosis". Ankylosis is a debilitating condition that eventually can cause loss of spinal mobility and function and, thereby, severely impact a person's quality of life. Because AS is a systemic rheumatic disease, it can lead to inflammation in other parts of the body such as the joints of the hips, knees, or shoulders. AS may also affect other organs such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.

It has been estimated that approximately 350,000 Americans suffer from AS. Symptoms of AS usually begin between ages of 20 to 30 although the disease can also affect children, adolescents, or adults over 40 years of age. The prevalence of AS is about 2 to 3 times higher in males than in females with men accounting for about 65% to 80% of all cases.

The exact cause of AS remains unknown, however, research has demonstrated that AS tends to run in families. Evidence for a possible genetic predisposition to AS is supported by the findings that a specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) tissue type called HLA-B27 occurs in about 90% of individuals with AS.

Currently there is no cure for AS. A variety of drugs are available to control symptoms of AS including pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Exercise therapy is also considered an important overall component in the management of patients with AS.

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• What are the risk factors of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
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• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
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