Seronegative spondyloarthritis is a disease that is associated with inflammation and damage to the joints, as well as the spine. To be more precise, this is not one ailment, but a whole group of diseases that have similar pathogenetic, etiological and clinical properties. And many people are interested in additional questions about such diseases. What are the reasons for their development? How do they appear? How dangerous can the consequences be? Does modern medicine offer truly effective treatments? The answers to these questions will be of interest to many readers.
What is this group of diseases?
As already mentioned, seronegative spondyloarthritis (spindyloarthritis) is a fairly large group of chronic inflammatory diseases that are to some extent interconnected with each other. In particular, these diseases include idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, enterotic arthritis.
Actuallyuntil recently, all these pathologies belonged to the group of rheumatoid arthritis (seropositive). It was not until the 1970s that several significant differences were first identified. Around the same time, the first patient assessment scale was developed, as well as a classification scheme for seronegative diseases.
Today it is difficult to judge the extent of the spread of this pathology, since many people have a sluggish disease, and many patients receive an incorrect diagnosis. We can only say with certainty that men become victims of this disease much more often, but in women the disease can be accompanied by a minimum number of symptoms and complications. Most often, the disease begins to progress at the age of 20-40 years.
The main distinguishing features of this group of pathologies
There are some important differences that allowed researchers in the last century to separate seronegative spondyloarthritis into a separate group of diseases. It will be useful to familiarize yourself with their list:
- In such diseases, the absence of a rheumatic factor can be determined during the diagnostic process.
- Arthritis develops asymmetrically.
- No characteristic subcutaneous nodules.
- Signs of ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis can be seen during X-ray.
- There is a close interaction with the HLA-B27 antigen.
- As a rule, several family members suffer from this disease at once.
In any case, it is worth understanding that forto make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a full examination, take tests, help the doctor collect the most complete anamnesis.
Main causes of disease development
Unfortunately, not in every case it is possible to find out the reasons for the development of this disease. Nevertheless, over the past few years, it has been possible to prove the relationship of the disease with several intestinal infections, including salmonellosis, dysentery and yersiniosis. Seronegative spondyloarthritis can also develop against the background of urogenital diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (eg, chlamydia). Food poisoning can aggravate the situation.
In addition, there is some genetic predisposition to such a disease as seronegative spondyloarthritis. Recent studies in this area have shown that patients with this disease have a specific HLA-B27 antigen. By the way, this antigen is similar to the surface antigens of Klebsiella, Shigella, Chlamydia and some other pathogenic microorganisms. That is why the penetration and activation of these bacteria in the human body is a risk factor. Indeed, against the background of such infectious diseases, the production of immune complexes occurs, which cause an autoimmune inflammatory process in the tissues of the spine and joints.
Seronegative spondylitis: symptoms
This disease is characterized by a classic articular syndrome, which is accompanied by pain on movement (at later stages and at rest), stiffness,swelling, redness. As a rule, the joints of the spine are primarily affected, but the inflammatory process is also possible in other joints. Temperature in seronegative spondyloarthritis is possible, but it is usually kept in subfebrile limits.
This disease is characterized by lesions of other organ systems. For example, patients develop cataracts, iritis, uveitis, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, and lesions of the optic nerve. Approximately 17% of cases develop inflammatory bowel disease. On the part of the skin, keratoderma, erythema, ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes are possible. Much less often (in about 4% of cases), patients develop nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, microhematuria.
Methods of modern diagnostics
The diagnosis of "seronegative spondylitis" can only be made by a doctor. But it is worth saying that the diagnosis in such cases is quite difficult, because diseases from this group often have similarities with other rheumatic diseases. Therefore, in addition to consulting a rheumatologist, the patient should be examined by a gastroenterologist, an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and sometimes also a urologist and a dermatologist.
First of all, a laboratory blood test is needed. As a rule, during this study, an increase in the level of C-reactive protein is detected, but there are no characteristic rheumatic factors.
Next, the examination of the bone apparatus is carried out, which includesarthroscopy, radiography, joint puncture. It is necessary to evaluate the work of the heart - for this purpose, patients are prescribed an ECG, aortography, MRI. Since bowel and kidney damage is often observed against the background of the disease, the doctor may prescribe a coprogram, colonoscopy, urography, ultrasound and CT of the kidneys.
Seronegative spondyloarthritis: consequences
How dangerous can this disease be? What are the consequences of seronegative spondylitis? Disability is by no means uncommon among patients with a similar diagnosis. In particular, the disease entails degenerative changes in the spine and joints - this process can be slowed down, but in most cases it cannot be completely stopped.
Other complications include decreased vision and blindness, as well as severe skin lesions with subsequent infection, disruption of the heart up to the development of aortic heart disease. The disease affects the kidneys, so patients can develop kidney failure (very rarely with proper therapy).
What treatments does modern medicine offer?
What remedies are used in the presence of a disease such as seronegative spondyloarthritis? Treatment in most cases is conservative. Unfortunately, there are no methods that can permanently get rid of the disease, but with the help of the right medicines, its development can be slowed down.
First of all, doctors will prescribetaking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which stop the inflammatory process, relieve pain and significantly improve well-being. The most effective include drugs such as Voltaren, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac. Unfortunately, long-term use of such drugs increases the likelihood of developing erosions and ulcers of the digestive tract.
What other activities does seronegative spondylitis require? Treatment may include taking immunological drugs, in particular Remicade and Immunofan. In addition, patients are selected an appropriate diet, a complex of therapeutic exercises, massages. And of course, regular check-ups with a doctor are a must.
Is it possible to treat folk remedies?
Today, many people are interested in questions about what constitutes seronegative spondyloarthritis. Symptoms, treatment, causes and signs of the disease are very important points that are worth studying. But also often patients are interested in whether this ailment can be treated with the help of traditional medicine.
Folk healers often recommend making compresses from cabbage leaves with honey, grated fresh carrots, and turpentine. These methods really help relieve joint pain and improve their mobility. You can also warm the affected areas with heated sea s alt, after wrapping it in a cloth or towel.
All these remedies really help to alleviate the condition. But in no case should you try to treat such a disease as seronegative spondyloarthritis on your own. Disability, blindness, circulatory disorders - these are the complications that improper therapy can lead to. Therefore, before using any folk remedy, be sure to consult your doctor.
