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Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that causes some of the bones to fuse which then affects the spines flexibility and also the body posture of the patient. It is mostly observed that men are more prone to it than women. The symptoms of the disease can be observed from adulthood.
It mostly affects:
1. Lower Back
2. The base of the Spine and Pelvis
3. Vertebrates in the lower back
4. Joints in Spine
5. Heels
6. Pelvis
7. The cartilage between the breastbone and ribs
8. In severe cases formation of new bone

In severe cases, a new bone is formed in this new bone bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae. Which later become stiff and inflexible. In some cases it stiffens your rib cage, restricting your lung capacity and function.

Causes:
There is no specific cause, but it’s said genetic factors may also affect it. People having a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greater risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. But not every individual having it may suffer from it. It is observed more in men as compared to women specifically during adulthood.

One such case study is about Ankylosing Spondylitis in a young patient. During the initial examination, Dr. Pravin Patil a rheumatologist in Pimpri Chinchwad diagnosed symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in a very young patient. He then came up with a remedial plan of action considering the patient’s age and condition. It was then observed that the patient was responding excellently to biologics injections. In such cases, Patients can walk without support and lead a fairly normal life post-treatment. Biological injections should be considered as a treatment option in patients who are not doing well on conventional medications. Biological injections are prescribed by Rheumatologists who have experience in using this relatively new therapy. In this case, the patient has visibly gained a lot post-treatment by Dr. Pravin Patil. Who is known for his impeccable contribution in the field of Rheumatology & Ankylosing Spondylitis. He is one of the best rheumatologist in pimpri chinchwad.

1. HLA B27 (human leukocyte antigen) is not a disease. It is a gene in your body.
2. A positive HLA B27 test does not mean you have a disease. If you look at the whole population the majority of people carrying this gene will not develop ankylosing spondylitis. The usefulness of the test depends on the context that it is ordered in. History and examination is really useful.
3. HLA-B27 is a normal genetic variant. HLA B27 can be positive in upto 8% of normal population.
4. HLA B27 positivity is associated with a variety of diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, reactive arthritis etc.
5. If your HLA B27 test is positive usually there is no need to have this test again. It does not disappear even after treatment.
6. Around 80 to 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis tests positive for HLA-B27.
7. If you look indiscriminately at the whole population, only 10-15% of those with this HLA-B27 gene will end up developing ankylosing spondylitis or another type of spondyloarthritis.
8. History suggestive of inflammatory back pain should prompt a doctor to order the HLA-B27 test. In this context, a positive HLA B27 test is useful in making the diagnosis.
9. Please note a negative HLA-B27 test does not completely rule out the diagnosis of ankylosisng spondylitis. Around 10-20% of patients with proven ankylosing spondylitis will test negative for HLA B27.

10. Treatment depends on the final diagnosis and severity of the disease.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Back Pain –

1. Starts before the age of 40 years

2. Comes on slowly over time

3. Worse in the mornings and evening

4. Stiffness in the mornings or after period of inactivity

5. Improves with exercise and worse with rest

6. Can often cause pain in the buttocks

For more information please visit punerheumatologist.com