Marisa Wexler MS,  —

People who are diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are more likely to have had tonsillitis than those without this disease, a study found, suggesting that tonsillitis might predispose a person for AS. “Association between tonsillitis and newly diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis: A nationwide, population-based, case-control study” was published…

Self-harm is more common in people diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis compared with the general population, a study reveals, suggesting the need for better mental health monitoring and support for patients after such a diagnosis. The data were presented at the 2018 Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) in a…

In Italy, Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a cost-saving treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, as well as for psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, according to a new study. The results were published in the journal ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research in a paper titled, “Budget impact…

High levels of the protein chitotriosidase in the blood are associated with more disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients. This protein might be a useful prognostic marker. The study, “Serum chitotriosidase and neopterin levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis,” was published in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. Chitotriosidase is…

Gender-based differences in fecal metabolites in ankylosing spondylitis patients may provide clues about differences regarding male versus female disease progression. The study with that finding, “GC-MS-based fecal metabolomics reveals gender-attributed fecal signatures in ankylosing spondylitis,” was published in Scientific Reports. There are a number of differences in how…