A group of diseases with similar symptoms and a closely related pathogenetic background
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of rheumatic diseases characterized by concurrent inflammation of the spine and peripheral joints. Depending on the primary site of inflammation, two main types of spondyloarthritis are distinguished: axial and peripheral. The former is characterized by joint inflammation within the pelvis and spine, whereas the latter manifests as inflammation of the peripheral joints, including the knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows.
Disease Symptoms
Spondyloarthritis can manifest as chronic back pain that worsens in the morning and during the night, morning stiffness of the spine, as well as swelling, increased warmth, and redness of the peripheral joints. Some patients report weight loss, chronic low-grade fever, and fatigue.
Spondyloarthritis Disease Groups
Spondyloarthritis affects people of all ages; in 10–20% of patients, it manifests as early as childhood. The group of spondyloarthritic diseases includes:
The exact causes of the development of this group of disorders remain unknown. They have an autoimmune background and are most likely the result of immune system dysregulation, leading to the spontaneous development of arthritis. A genetic predisposition to the disease is linked to the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen.