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JABATAN ANKYLOSING
SPONDYLITIS
BILIK
SEMINAR
JAB.
PATOLOGI HPSF
RABU
18/01/2017
JAM...3.30
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that
primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become
involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints
(vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.
In the most advanced cases (but not in all cases), this inflammation
can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the
spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position, sometimes creating a
forward-stooped posture. This forward curvature of the spine is
called kyphosis.
The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience
the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some may experience only
intermittent back pain and discomfort, while others may experience severe pain and
stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. AS can be debilitating
and, in some cases, lead to disability.
Almost all cases of AS are characterized by acute, painful episodes (also known as " flares"),
which are followed by temporary periods of remission when symptoms subside.
It is important to know that ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, or lifelong, disease and
that the severity of AS has nothing to do with age or gender . It can be just as
severe in women and children as in men.
Remember that even if you have AS and are experiencing only mild symptoms, which you
are able to manage well, it is important to see your rheumatologist once a year in order to
detect and treat any underlying complications.
Causes
unknown, we do know that genetics play a key role in the disease. Most individuals who
have AS also have a gene that produces a "genetic marker," a protein called HLA-B27.
This marker is found in more than 95 percent of people in the Caucasian population with AS
(the association between ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-B27 varies greatly between ethnic
and racial groups.It is important to note, however, that one does not have to be
HLA-B27 positive to have AS. Also, a majority of people with this marker never
develop ankylosing spondylitis.
Scientists suspect that other genes--along with a triggering environmental factor such as a
bacterial infection, for example--are needed to activate AS in susceptible people. HLA-
B27 likely accounts for about 30 percent of the overall risk, but there are numerous other
genes working in concert with HLA-B27. Researchers have identified more than 60 genes
that are associated with AS and related diseases. Among the newer key genes identified are
ERAP 1, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23.
One classic hypothesis has been that AS may start when the defenses of the intestines
break down and certain bacteria pass into the bloodstream, triggering changes in the
immune response.
Who Is at Risk?