Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

About

Specialities

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About

Specialities

Find Your Region

About the disease & condition

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the axial skeleton (spine and sacroiliac joints), leading to pain, stiffness, and eventual fusion (ankylosis) of the vertebrae. It is a prototypical type of spondyloarthritis (SpA) and often involves extra-articular manifestations.

Known Symptoms

Early symptoms: Chronic inflammatory back pain (worsens at rest, improves with activity). Morning stiffness >30 minutes, nocturnal pain.
Sacroiliitis (buttock/hip pain).
Advanced disease: Reduced spinal mobility (e.g., limited lumbar flexion, chest expansion). Kyphotic deformity (“question-mark posture”).
Extra-articular manifestations:
Anterior uveitis (acute eye pain/redness). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis.
Cardiovascular involvement (aortitis, conduction defects).
Osteoporosis (increased fracture risk).
Red flags: Neurological deficits (e.g., cauda equina syndrome—rare but serious).

Known Causes

Etiology: Strong genetic association with HLA-B27 (present in >90% of patients).
Environmental triggers (e.g., gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections) may initiate immune activation.
Pathophysiology: Autoimmune-mediated inflammation at entheses (sites where tendons/ligaments attach to bone). Progressive ossification and fibrosis, leading to bony fusion and loss of spinal mobility. Systemic inflammation involving cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-17).

Care

Prevention: No known prevention; early diagnosis and treatment slow progression.
Regular exercise to maintain mobility and posture.
Follow-up: Regular monitoring of disease activity (e.g., BASDAI, ASDAS scores). Imaging (X-ray/MRI) to assess structural damage. Screening for extra-articular manifestations (e.g., eye exams for uveitis). Bone density monitoring and fracture prevention.

Note: AS requires lifelong management. Multidisciplinary care (rheumatology, physiotherapy, ophthalmology) is essential. Newer biologics (e.g., JAK inhibitors) are expanding treatment options. Patient self-management and adherence to therapy are critical for optimizing outcomes.

Relevant Specialities

Rheumatology

Rheumatology is the medical specialty focused on conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and immune system.

It supports patients with a range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that may impact mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. The specialty plays an important role in identifying these conditions early and managing them effectively over time.

At KIMSHEALTH, rheumatology care is delivered through a patient-first approach, focusing on accurate diagnosis, ongoing management, and helping patients maintain mobility and long-term well-being.

Available in Oman

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