Seronegative spondarthritides: Treatment, symptoms, advice and help

About seronegative spondarthritides

Seronegative spondarthritides is a group of disorders affecting the bones or the joints. This condition is characterised by inflammation of the bones and joints especially the spine. Seronegative spondarthritides includes a group of disorders namely ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter’s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic spondylitis (arthritis associated with bowel disease), and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. The disorders of seronegative spondarthritides, as the name suggests, have a negative serostatus, meaning that serum test for rheumatoid factor is negative.

Seronegative spondarthritides: Incidence, age and sex

The incidence of seronegative spondarthritides incidence depends upon the specific disorder or type. For example, ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than in women and commonly occurs in individuals in the age group of 20--40 years. Reactive arthritis, on the other hand, is found in slightly frequency in men as compared with women. Psoriatic arthritis is encountered in individuals who suffer from psoriasis of the skin. Juvenile spondyloarthritis may be seen in children from 8 to 16 years of age.

Signs and symptoms of seronegative spondarthritides: Diagnosis

The primary clinical features of seronegative spondarthritides include joint pains due to inflammation of the joints. This condition most commonly affects the spine. The symptoms may vary according to the type of seronegative disorder. There can be stiffness of the back bone along with bending, urethritis, dysentery, or psoriasis of the skin.

The diagnosis of seronegative spondarthritides is established by an experienced physician by taking detailed clinical history and comprehensive physical examination. The serum test for Rheumatoid factor is negative. Radiological testing including CT or MRI scans of the affected joint(s) is done to corroborate the diagnosis. HLA-B27 genotyping may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Causes and prevention of seronegative spondarthritides

The cause of seronegative spondarthritides is non-specific. The genetic factors seem to play an important role since it is mostly seen in individuals who have first degree relatives suffering from these diseases. Moreover it is also associated with HLA-B27 genotype. Reactive arthritis usually follows bacterial dysentery caused by organisms like Shigella, Campylobacter or Salmonella. The sexually transmitted infection by Chlamydia trachomatis leading to urethritis may cause reactive arthritis.

Seronegative spondarthritides: Complications

Seronegative spondarthritides may have severe personal and social implications. The joints may become stiff due to inflammation and may lead to crippling of the patient. The affected individual may not be able to perform daily routine tasks due to affliction of the joints. Forward bending or kyphosis of the spine makes them disfigured and difficult to maintain the posture. The joints of the fingers may become swollen and stiff, causing difficulty in movement. Ankylosing spondylitis can even damage the internal organs like lungs causing lung fibrosis.

Seronegative spondarthritides: Treatment

The treatment of seronegative spondarthritides usually depends upon the type of disorder. It is similar to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of the treatment is providing symptomatic relief to the individual. The pain and inflammation may be reduced with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other potent drugs like methotrexate or corticosteroids may be used to control the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes like losing excess weight and regular physical exercise may help in reducing joint inflammation and stiffness. Surgical treatment can be considered in patients who have limited joint mobility and severe pain in spite of medical treatment. The joint deformities may need appropriate surgical correction. Balanced diet and keeping oneself healthy, may aid in managing the disease and controlling its progression.