Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that happens because of the inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.
According to Dr Raghavendra Ramanjulu, Lead Consultant, Palliative Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster RV Hospital, ankylosing spondylitis is "an autoimmune disease specifically connected to a gene mutation."
There are two types of ankylosing spondylitis.
WHY IS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS CALLED A YOUNGSTER'S DISEASE?
The exact cause of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is not clear.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that happens because of the inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.
It could also happen in other joints like knees, ankles and even the hips.
According to Dr Raghavendra Ramanjulu, Lead Consultant, Palliative Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster RV Hospital, ankylosing spondylitis is "an autoimmune disease specifically connected to a gene mutation."
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"The chronic autoimmune disorder causes inflammation predominantly in the spine joints (spondylosis), which finally results in fused joints, also known as Ankylosis," said Dr Ramanjulu.
There are two types of ankylosing spondylitis. Axial spondylarthritis mostly affects the spine. Peripheral spondylarthritis primarily affects the limbs, heels, fingers, and toes.
While this disorder can be controlled with a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy procedures, there is no cure for AS.
The first symptoms of this condition are back pain and stiffness of the spine when you wake up early in the morning along with eye redness, which is usually ignored or seen as an opthal problem.
"Loose stools are also one of the common symptoms of AS. Heel pain can also be seen. Suppose there is eye, heel and bowel involvement apart from the early morning back pain. In that case, we can start screening for AS," said Dr Shweta Khopde Vidhate, Consultant Rheumatologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune.
AS is screened by taking an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the sacroiliac (SI) joint (the joints that link the pelvis and lower spine).
WHY IS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS CALLED A YOUNGSTER'S DISEASE?
According to the Spondylitis Association of America, people typically develop AS between the ages of 17 and 45. Therefore, most people develop AS in their 20s and 30s.
"It is known as a youngster’s disease because it starts at around age 15 to 20, and usually the symptoms are ignored by young people, saying it’s because of a straining and positional variation. By the time the patient comes, they are in their 30s and then it becomes more difficult for us to treat," said Dr Vidhate.
It starts early on in life and that is why we call it a youngster’s disease.
Dr Ramanjulu said Axial Spondylarthritis is "uncommon", with a frequency of about 0.1% in the Indian population. According to the Spondylitis Association of America, people typically develop AS between the ages of 17 and 45. (Photo: Getty Images)
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"Males are affected three times more than their female counterparts. AS often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, with about 95% of cases presenting before the age of 45. It results in extreme pain and spinal hunching, resulting in limited mobility and a lower quality of life," he said.
The exact cause of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is not clear.
The disease is strongly associated with a gene called HLA-B27. About 80-90% of children with JAS have the HLA-B27 gene. But having the gene doesn't mean someone will get AS.
Published By: Daphne Clarance Published On: May 3, 2024
