Inflammatory bowel disease in ankylosing spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Rheumatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition.
• Gastrointestinal manifestations are known complications of spondyloarthropathies.
• The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
• To identify undiagnosed cases of bowel disease in asymptomatic individuals with ankylosing spondylitis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 47 patients with ankylosing spondylitis underwent routine, detailed gastroenterological investigations.
• Diagnostic procedures included [specific procedures if mentioned, otherwise state 'standard gastroenterological examinations'].

Main Results:

• Evidence of chronic inflammatory bowel disease was identified in 8 out of 47 patients.
• This represents a prevalence of 17% for inflammatory bowel disease in this cohort.
• Three patients (approximately 37.5% of those with IBD) were found to have unsuspected bowel disease in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A significant prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease exists within the ankylosing spondylitis patient population.
• Gastroenterological screening may be warranted in ankylosing spondylitis patients, even in the absence of overt gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Early detection of inflammatory bowel disease can potentially improve management and outcomes for patients with co-existing ankylosing spondylitis.