Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of Arthritis that primarily affects the spine, though other areas of the body may be involved. The inflammation of the vertebra is often painful and disfiguring. About 2.7 million people in the United States have this disease (“Ankylosing Spondylitis,” 2015). But truly no one knows the exact number. The reason is that few people are diagnosed early which means that many people may have the disease but not know it.

AS is a progressive, chronic disease, it usually starts in people 15 to 30 but may begin onset at earlier or later ages. However it is most uncommon for onset to begin after age 45 (Khan, 2015). One factor is usually common in patents with AS that is a strong association with the HLA-B27gene. Over the years this gene has been a marker for AS.

“Most individuals who have AS also have a gene that produces a “genetic marker” - in this case, a protein - called HLA-B27. This marker is found in over 95% of people in the Caucasian population with AS (the association between ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-B27 varies greatly between ethnic and racial groups” (“Ankylosing Spondylitis,” 2015)

However this gene is not usually checked as part of regular examinations. Another basic characteristic that doctors often check when thinking about diagnosing AS is if a family member has the disease, or has appearance that might suggest the disease. In these cases (assuming the doctors know of the association) the genetic market is often checked. Finally a history of gastrointestinal infections is often present in patients with the disease. None of these markers in and of themselves is a perfect indicator of AS. There is no definitive test for the disease.

If a person feels like AS is possible they are advised to check with their physician. AS is chronic disease, it cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Today’s treatments may prevent the worst outcomes of the disease, but delaying treatment can prove harmful to patients.

References

Ankylosing Spondylitis. (2015). Ankylosing Spondylitis & Related Disease Information: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and More Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as.aspx

Khan, M. A. (2015). Ankylosing Spondylitis, Spondyloarthritis and HLA-B27. Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://www.hlab27.com/

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