Blood biomarkers, such as elevated levels of certain white blood cells and other markers of inflammation, may help doctors predict who is likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis and help clinicians determine the degree of disease activity, a study found. There are “basic, easily accessible, and affordable indicators that can be…
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Two-thirds of adults with spondyloarthritis (SpA), a family of related inflammatory conditions that includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reported at least two symptoms related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, according to the findings of a new study. About half of SpA patients also reported depression, which significantly correlated with increased disease activity, greater functional…
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the joints of the spine. Inflammation of the spaces between the vertebrae causes back pain and stiffness.
There is no single specific test to diagnose AS, and many of the symptoms (such as back pain) also can be caused by other conditions. A diagnosis often involves checking for common hallmarks of AS.
Patients’ symptoms usually progress gradually over time. They may be erratic because the type and severity of the symptoms can improve, worsen, or completely stop for periods of time.
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