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A unifying concept for the spondyloarthropathies
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|September 1, 1979
Summary
Seronegative spondyloarthropathies, a group of distinct diseases, share clinical features and familial aggregation. Genetic predisposition, particularly involving B27, and environmental factors like infection are implicated.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previously considered variants of rheumatoid arthritis, several diseases are now recognized as distinct.
- These include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the distinct nature of seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
- To explore their clinical, radiologic, serologic, and genetic interrelations.
- To investigate the role of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Detailed clinical, radiologic, and serologic assessments.
- Epidemiological and pedigree-based family studies.
- Analysis of B27 antigen frequency within affected groups.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated clinical interrelations and familial aggregation among these diseases.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a common feature across all conditions.
- Increased frequency of B27 antigen suggests a genetic link.
Conclusions:
- Seronegative spondyloarthropathies represent a distinct disease group.
- Genetic predisposition, linked to B27, plays a significant role.
- Environmental factors, such as infections, may also contribute to disease development.