Does ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic component?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that primarily affects the axial joints, and this disease is incurable. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, delay the appearance of joint deformities, and reduce disability. This is the main purpose of its treatment. The cause of the disease is also unclear, and it is somewhat related to genetics. If parents have it, the incidence in their children is significantly increased, and there is a phenomenon of familial aggregation. It cannot be considered a hereditary disease, but there is indeed a phenomenon of familial aggregation. Moreover, the incidence of the disease in children is much higher than in families without a history of the disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What tests are done for ankylosing spondylitis?

The main laboratory indicators for ankylosing spondylitis include the following: Testing for the B27 gene, formally known as HLA-B27 gene, which is hereditary and commonly found in male patients. Second, to determine if ankylosing spondylitis is in an active phase, inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein can be checked. Moreover, the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis must involve the sacroiliac joints being affected. Therefore, a CT scan and MRI of the sacroiliac joints can be conducted to determine if there are issues with the sacroiliac joints. If the patient shows symptoms of inflammatory lower back pain, has affected sacroiliac joints, tests positive for the B27 gene, and shows elevated inflammatory markers, then a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can generally be confirmed.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic component?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the axial joints. The onset is determined by both genetic and environmental factors, leading to the disease. This means that the disease exhibits a significant familial aggregation and genetic predisposition. If the parents have it, the incidence in their children is much higher than in others. However, it is definitely not a genetic disease; it just has familial clustering and genetic tendencies. If symptoms like stiffness in the neck or pain in the lower back intensify when at rest and decrease after activity, it is essential to use CT or MRI scans and test for HLA-B27 to check for damage or narrowing in the sacroiliac joints. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to improve the prognosis of the condition.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What to do about ankylosing spondylitis pain?

The medications for treating pain in ankylosing spondylitis fall into three major categories: The first category includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The second category consists of disease-controlling drugs, which are often immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine. Third, if patients still experience significant back pain despite using anti-inflammatory analgesics and disease-controlling drugs, biologic agents can be considered. The main biologics currently include tumor necrosis factor antagonists. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis cause buttock pain?

Ankylosing spondylitis may cause buttock pain. It primarily affects the axial joints, and can be accompanied by extrarticular manifestations. This condition leads to stiffening and deformity of the spine, and it cannot be cured, only managed with medication to slow the progression of the disease, delay joint deformity, improve quality of life, and reduce disability rates. Its clinical manifestations vary widely, and its onset is often insidious. Men are more commonly affected and tend to experience more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms include stiffness in the neck or pain in the lumbar and back areas. However, some people may experience pain in the lower back, accompanied by morning stiffness, or alternating pain in the buttocks, or radiating pain from the groin to the lower limbs. This pain is often worse at night or after prolonged sitting, but symptoms can lessen after activity.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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What to check for ankylosing spondylitis?

The examination for ankylosing spondylitis mainly includes blood tests. The main components of the blood tests are erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ANA along with CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies, and of course, the most crucial test related to the gene - HLA-B27. Imaging exams can include the following: First, an X-ray of the pelvis, or an MRI of the sacroiliac joints. If the disease has been present for a longer time, a CT of the sacroiliac joints can be chosen. If the patient has elevated ESR and CRP, a positive B27, and lesions in the sacroiliac joints, then the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can be confirmed.