Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is one of a number of arthritic conditions described as sero-negative arthritides, because the blood test for Rheumatoid Arthritis is negative. The vast majority of people with this disorder have the tissue type HLA-B27. There is inflammation of the joints of the spine, and those between the bottom of the spine and the pelvic bones, called the sacro-iliac joints. There may be other associated conditions such as iritis (see eye in the head section) or inflammatory bowel disease (see large and small intestine in the digestive system section). In severe cases of the vertebrae of the spine may become fused together causing difficulties with breathing and movement. Since not every person who is HLA-B27 develops the disease, it is thought that there is also the involvement of an environmental factor such as a virus or a bacterium. Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation using non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, maintaining mobility through exercise and treating exacerbations with steroids if necessary.
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