A long term arthritis condition that causes inflammation (hot, red and swelling) of one’s spine and related muscles, bones and ligaments.
It mainly occurs in ages 15- 35 years old.
In severe cases, bones in the spine may fuse (also referred to as ankylosis) resulting in a rigid and inflexible spine causing an abnormal posture.
It may occur in other joints including the hips, knees, ankles, or shoulders.
Diagnosis Tests
Example of blood test results include:
Red blood cell count (RBC): Long term inflammation can cause a low red blood cell count.
White blood cell count (WBC): An elevated white blood cell count suggests the possibility of an active infection. Patients taking corticosteroids (fro inflammation) may have an elevated WBC due to the medication.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Low hemoglobin and hematocrit may be indicative of anaemia caused by long term diseases or possible bleeding caused by medications:
Platelet count: The platelet count is often high in arthritis patients, while some potent/strong arthritis medications can cause platelets to be low.
Protein and Antibody Tests
Anti-CCP is a blood test that is commonly ordered if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected.
A moderate to high level of anti-CCP essentially confirms the diagnosis in a person who has clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are abnormal autoantibodies (immunoglobulins against nuclear components of the human cell). Moderate to high antinuclear antibody levels are suggestive of autoimmune disease.
C-reactive protein (CRP): C-reactive protein is produced by the liver following tissue injury or inflammation. Plasma levels of CRP increase quickly following periods of acute inflammation or infection, making this test a more accurate indicator of disease activity than the sedimentation rate, which changes more gradually.
HLA tissue typing: Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are proteins on the surface of cells. Specific HLA proteins are genetic markers for some of the rheumatic diseases. Testing can determine if certain genetic makers are present. HLA-B27 has been associated with ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate:- the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific indicator of the presence of inflammation.
Uric acid: High levels of uric acid in the blood (known as hyperuricemia) can cause crystals to form which are deposited in the joints and tissues (gout).
Incomplete or partial dislocation of Atlantoaxial (C1-2) (2%),
Cauda equina syndrome from spinal arachnoiditis (inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord)
Traumatic spinal fractures with myelopathy (C5-6, C6-7 most commonly)
Ossification (bone formation) of the posterior longitudinal ligament with spinal stenosis
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Ankylosing Spondylitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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