Can people with ankylosing spondylitis have children?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease and is chronic. This disease cannot be cured; rather, it is managed long-term through medications to alleviate symptoms, control the progression of the condition, and delay the onset of joint deformities, which is the main purpose of treatment. This disease is not hereditary, but there is a clear phenomenon of familial aggregation. For instance, if one or both parents have it, the incidence in their children is over 50%. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis can have children, but there is a very high probability that their children will also suffer from the disease. Additionally, it is advised not to conceive while on medication during the treatment period; one must stop taking the medication for more than three months before considering pregnancy.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic component?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that primarily affects the axial joints, and this disease is incurable. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, delay the appearance of joint deformities, and reduce disability. This is the main purpose of its treatment. The cause of the disease is also unclear, and it is somewhat related to genetics. If parents have it, the incidence in their children is significantly increased, and there is a phenomenon of familial aggregation. It cannot be considered a hereditary disease, but there is indeed a phenomenon of familial aggregation. Moreover, the incidence of the disease in children is much higher than in families without a history of the disease.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Ankylosing Spondylitis Test Items

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease of unknown cause, primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial joints. It mainly affects the sacroiliac joints and leads to bony ankylosis, predominantly occurring in males, especially young males. The disease has a significant familial genetic tendency. The main symptoms are pain or discomfort in the lower back and back, typically occurring at night, accompanied by difficulty turning over. Stiffness is evident in the morning or after sitting for a long time, but symptoms may alleviate after physical activity. In young and middle-aged males showing these symptoms, ankylosing spondylitis should be suspected first. The main diagnostic methods include blood tests for HLA-B27, and imaging such as CT or MRI of the sacroiliac joints to detect any sacroiliitis. Diagnosis primarily relies on the combination of symptoms, HLA-B27 results, and sacroiliac joint CT findings.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How to control ankylosing spondylitis

The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis mainly consists of three parts: The first part is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets; the second is the choice of disease control medications, which may include sulfasalazine or methotrexate tablets, especially for patients with peripheral joint pain, immunosuppressive drugs can be chosen. The most effective for ankylosing spondylitis are biologics, but before using biologics, it is necessary to exclude hepatitis, tuberculosis, and cancerous diseases, and the cost of biologics is relatively high. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can ankylosing spondylitis be cured?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by the involvement of the axial joints. This disease cannot be cured, but its progression can be controlled through medication to delay joint deformity, improve quality of life, and reduce disability rates, which are also the goals of treatment. Middle-aged or young males experiencing stiffness in the neck or pain in the lower back should seek comprehensive examinations, early diagnosis, and treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What causes ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is primarily an autoimmune disease affecting the axial joints, which may also manifest with extra-articular symptoms. In severe cases, deformities and stiffening of the spine can occur. The cause of the disease is attributed to the interactive effects of genetics and environmental factors, making it a multi-gene inherited disorder. However, for some individuals, it may also be related to infections such as Ureaplasma urealyticum, Shigella, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli in the urinary and genital tracts. These pathogens trigger the body's inflammatory immune response, resulting in tissue damage and contributing to the onset and progression of the disease. There is a notable familial aggregation in the occurrence of this disease.