Patient discussion about Ankylosing
Q. Is ankylosing spondylitis genetically inherited? A. It is known today that ankylosing spondylitis (spondyloarthritis) has a very strong genetic connection. It is not a disease inhertited by a single gene that is dominant, but certainly there is genetic predisposition in families (and a more detailed information- about 90% of the patients express the HLA-B27 genotype).
Q. I have had ankylosing spondilitis for over 25 years. What is available at this point to mitigate the effects? A. The mainstay of the treatment severe ankylosing spondylitis today are "anti-TNF", drugs that affect the immune system through blocking the action of a protein called TNF.
Other optional treatments include sulfasalazine and thalidomide.
Of course, all these treatments require prescription and consultation with a doctor (in this case usually rheumatologist).
You may read more here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ankylosingspondylitis.html
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