Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

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| N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y |

Causes of Ankylosing spondylitis

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known, however most people who are affected carry a particular antigen called HLA-B27. This antigen is inherited which explains why the condition runs in families.

Symptoms of AS may appear following a long period of bed rest. It has also been linked to a group of symptoms known as Reiter's Syndrome. These include iritis (or uveitis), which is inflammation of part of the iris; and conjunctivitis, which causes red and painful eyes.