HLA-B27, axial spondyloarthritis and survival.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and carriage of gene in otherwise healthy individuals, are reportedly associated with increased mortality. We evaluated this hypothesis, using data from both a 35-year AS follow-up study and UK Biobank data.

Methods: In 1985, 363 members of the Swiss AS Patient Society and 806 relatives were screened clinically and then radiographically for AS/axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Recurrence of axial spondyloarthritis among first-degree relatives in a prospective 35-year-follow-up family study.

Objective: The lifetime recurrence rate (RR) of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) among first-degree relatives (FDR) and the effect of proband's gender, HLA-B27 and radiographic status is unclear. Our 35-year-follow-up family study has enabled these issues to be addressed.

Methods: In 1985, 363 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) probands (members of the Swiss AS Patient Society) and 806 FDR recruited into the study, completed questionnaires regarding axSpA manifestations, underwent a physical examination and most also underwent pelvic radiography and HLA-B27 typing.

Heterogeneity of axial spondyloarthritis: genetics, sex and structural damage matter.

Objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises both radiographic and non-radiographic disease. However, the paucity of specific objective measures for the disease and current classification criteria showing suboptimal specificity contribute to disease heterogeneity observed in clinical practice and research. We used a historical cohort of patients with axSpA to assess sources of heterogeneity.

Factors predicting axial spondyloarthritis among first-degree relatives of probands with ankylosing spondylitis: a family study spanning 35 years.

Objective: Factors predicting axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients need to be defined. We investigated the predictive value of the probands' HLA-B27 and radiographic sacroiliitis status on disease occurrence among their FDR. We also assessed the predictive value of features of the clinical history, including chronic inflammatory back pain (CIBP) and acute anterior uveitis (AAU), among the FDR and how they can be used to improve classification and diagnosis of axSpA.