Ankylosing Spondylitis
(AS) is a member of a group of rheumatic diseases
that affect the spinal column known as "spondyloarthropathies".
AS is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease that
causes arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joint -
the joint at the base of the spine where the spinal
column joins the pelvis. The chronic inflammation
and irritation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) can
eventually cause the vertebrae to fuse together, a
condition known as "ankylosis". Ankylosis
is a debilitating condition that eventually can
cause loss of spinal mobility and function and,
thereby, severely impact a person's quality of life.
Because AS is a systemic rheumatic disease, it can
lead to inflammation in other parts of the body such
as the joints of the hips, knees, or shoulders. AS
may also affect other organs such as the eyes,
heart, lungs, and kidneys.
It has been
estimated that approximately 350,000 Americans
suffer from AS. Symptoms of AS usually begin between
ages of 20 to 30 although the disease can also
affect children, adolescents, or adults over 40
years of age. The prevalence of AS is about 2 to 3
times higher in males than in females with men
accounting for about 65% to 80% of all cases.
The
exact cause of AS remains unknown, however, research
has demonstrated that AS tends to run in families.
Evidence for a possible genetic predisposition to AS
is supported by the findings that a specific Human
Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) tissue type called
HLA-Currently there is no cure for AS. A variety of
drugs are available to control symptoms of AS
including pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Exercise therapy is also considered an important
overall component in the management of patients with
AS.
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{India}
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Kuala Lumpur
{Malaysia}
Gleneagles Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
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