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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Is moxibustion useful for ankylosing spondylitis?

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are not recommended to receive moxibustion treatment because it can easily cause skin burns and local soft tissue infections. Moreover, moxibustion does not address the root cause of ankylosing spondylitis. It is recommended to continue with regular oral medication treatments. The medications used to treat ankylosing spondylitis mainly include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium. Commonly used medications to control the condition include sulfasalazine and thalidomide. Currently, the most effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis involves biologic agents, commonly tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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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.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How to exercise with ankylosing spondylitis

In the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis, when the impact on the sacral and other joints is minimal, normal activities such as swimming and jogging are acceptable. However, in the later stages of ankylosing spondylitis, as the disease progressively affects the sacral, hip, and knee joints, it becomes necessary to adjust the exercise regimen, mainly focusing on walking. It is important to avoid localized exposure to the cold and to take oral medications that nourish the joint cartilage. Daily local heat therapy for the joints or appropriate acupuncture can also help to some extent in delaying the erosion and damage of the joints by ankylosing spondylitis.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis Methods

Ankylosing spondylitis is primarily characterized by involvement of the elbow joints, but it can also be accompanied by extra-articular manifestations such as iritis and pain in the heel, and severe cases may present with spinal stiffness and deformity. The cause of the disease is unclear, but studies suggest it is related to genetic and environmental factors, with a significant familial aggregation. Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests including HLA-B27, and imaging such as CT or MRI of the sacroiliac joints to confirm inflammation or damage to these joints. To diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, these three criteria must be met. The most important factor is the presence of clinical symptoms that persist for more than three months, improve with activity, and do not significantly improve with rest. This is a typical characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How to relieve ankylosing spondylitis

Methods to alleviate ankylosing spondylitis are as follows: First, in terms of lifestyle: during the remission phase of ankylosing spondylitis, it is necessary to persist in long-term functional exercises to keep the spine from adhering and becoming rigid. The second and most important aspect is the long-term use of medication. The medications used to treat ankylosing spondylitis mainly include the following categories: The first category is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly used ones include diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, etc.; the second category includes disease-controlling medications such as sulfasalazine, thalidomide, methotrexate, and even leflunomide. Currently, the most effective medications for treating ankylosing spondylitis are biologics. However, before using biologics, it is essential to strictly rule out diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and tumors. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)