According to a story from Ankylosing Spondylitis News, a recent study has reaffirmed the understanding that patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a rare form of inflammatory disease that affects the joints of the spine, are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. However, the study has also identified subgroups of patients that are at particularly elevated risk. The study determined a number of risk factors for osteoporosis among ankylosing spondylitis patients, such as being female, being over the age of 65, and having dyslipidemia, a condition of abnormal fat levels in the blood.
About Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare form of arthritis which is characterized by long term inflammation of the spinal joints. Other joints may also be affected. The precise cause of ankylosing spondylitis has not been identified. A host of environmental and genetic factors may play a role; for example, a study found that the majority of patients in the UK presented with the HLA-B27 antigen. The onset of ankylosing spondylitis symptoms often begins in early adulthood. These symptoms may include relapsing/remitting back pain, progressive joint stiffening, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Inflammation can spread to other parts of the body, such as the eyes, the cardiovascular system, and lungs. No cure for the disease exists, so treatment focuses on pain management and slowing disease progression. Treatment may include NSAIDs, opioids, TNF inhibitors, physical therapy, surgery, and some others. Unfortunately, most therapies can cause serious side effects with long term use. To learn more about ankylosing spondylitis, click here.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Osteoporisis
Osteoporosis is a cause of concern for many of the elderly, particularly women. It is characterized by reduced bone density that can weaken bones and make them more likely to break. Prior research has determined that osteoporosis is more prevalent among ankylosing spondylitis patients because the inflammatory mechanisms are similar. Stiffness and pain that appears in ankylosing spondylitis also hinders mobility, and prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to bone mineral density loss.
The researchers concluded the study by saying that caregivers should be vigilant in monitoring ankylosing spondylitis patients for signs of osteoporosis, particularly if patients carry the risk factors that they identified.
The original study was published in the scientific journal Plos One.
