Seronegative spondylitis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Seronegative spondylitis is a disease that is associated with inflammation and joint damage, as well as the spine. To be more precise, this is not one ailment, but a whole group of diseases that have similar pathogenetic, etiological and clinical properties. And many people are interested in additional questions about such diseases. What are the reasons for their development? How are they manifested? How dangerous can the consequences be? Does modern medicine offer effective methods of treatment? Answers to these questions will be of interest to many readers.

What is this group of diseases?

As already mentioned, seronegative spondyloarthritis (spindiloarthritopathy) is a fairly large group of chronic inflammatory diseases, which are to some extent interconnected. In particular, the group of these diseases include idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, enterotritic arthritis.

In fact, until recently, all these pathologies belonged to the group of rheumatic arthritis (seropositive). Only in the 1970s there were first revealed several significant differences. Approximately at the same time, the first scale of assessment of patients' condition was developed, as well as a classification scheme for seronegative diseases.

To date, it is difficult to judge the extent of this pathology, since many people have lethargic disease, and many patients get an incorrect diagnosis. One can only say with certainty that men become victims of this ailment much more often, but in women, the disease can be accompanied by a minimum number of symptoms and complications. Most often the disease begins to progress at the age of 20-40 years.

The main distinguishing features of this group of pathologies

There are some important differences that in the last century allowed researchers to identify seronegative spondylitis in a separate group of diseases. It will be useful to get acquainted with their list:

• In case of such diseases, the absence of a rheumatoid can be determined during the course of the diagnosis.
• Arthritis develops asymmetrically.
• There are no characteristic subcutaneous nodules.
• During the roentgenogram, signs of ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis can be seen.
• There is a close interaction with the antigen HLA-B27.
• As a rule, several family members suffer from this affliction.

In any case, it is worthwhile to understand that for a precise diagnosis it is necessary to undergo a complete examination, to take tests, to help the doctor to collect the most complete anamnesis.

The main causes of the disease

Unfortunately, not in every case it is possible to find out the reasons of development of the given illness. Nevertheless, over the past few years it has been possible to prove the relationship of the disease with certain intestinal infections, including salmonellosis, dysentery and yersiniosis. Seronegative spondylitis can also develop against a background of urogenital diseases, including venereal infections (eg, chlamydia). To exacerbate the situation can be food-borne diseases.

In addition, there is some genetic predisposition to a disease such as seronegative spondylitis. Recent studies in this field have shown that patients with this ailment have a specific HLA-B27 antigen. By the way, this antigen is similar to the surface antigens of Klebsiella, Shigella, Chlamydia and some other pathogenic microorganisms. This is why penetration and activation of these bacteria in the human body is a risk factor. Indeed, against the background of such infectious diseases, the development of immune complexes occurs, which cause an autoimmune inflammatory process in the tissues of the spine and joints.

Seronegative spondylitis: symptoms

For this disease is characterized by a classic articular syndrome, which is accompanied by pain during movement (at later stages and at rest), stiffness, swelling, redness. As a rule, the joints of the spine are primarily affected, but the inflammatory process is possible in other joints. The temperature with seronegative spondylitis is possible, but it usually holds in the subfebrile range.

This disease is characterized by damage to other organ systems. For example, patients develop cataracts, irites, uveitis, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, lesions of the optic nerve. Approximately in 17% of cases there are inflammatory bowel diseases. From the skin are possible keratoderma, erythema, ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes. Much less often (approximately 4% of cases) patients develop nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, microhematuria.

Methods of modern diagnostics

The diagnosis of "seronegative spondylitis" can only be made by a doctor. But it is necessary to say that the diagnosis in such cases is quite complicated, because the diseases from this group often have similarities with other rheumatic diseases. Therefore, in addition to consulting a rheumatologist, the patient must undergo an examination with a gastroenterologist, ophthalmologist, cardiologist, and sometimes also a urologist and dermatologist.

First of all, a laboratory blood test is necessary. Typically, during this study, an increase in the level of C-reactive protein is detected, but there are no characteristic rheumatophagens.

Further, an examination of the bone apparatus is carried out, which includes arthroscopy, radiography, joint puncture. It is necessary to evaluate the work of the heart - for this purpose patients are prescribed ECG, aortography, MRI. Since the bowel and kidney damage is often observed against the background of the disease, the doctor can prescribe a coprogram, colonoscopy, urography, ultrasound and CT of kidneys.

Spondyloarthritis seronegative: consequences

How dangerous can this disease be? What are the consequences of seronegative spondylitis? Disability is by no means a rarity among patients with a similar diagnosis. In particular, the disease entails degenerative changes in the spine and joints - this process can be slowed down, but it is not possible to completely stop in most cases.

Other complications include a decrease in vision and blindness, as well as severe skin lesions with subsequent infection, disruption of the heart until the development of aortic heart disease. The disease affects the kidneys, so patients can develop kidney failure (with proper therapy, this happens very rarely).

What methods of treatment does modern medicine offer?

What means are used in the presence of such a disease as seronegative spondylitis? Treatment in most cases is conservative. Unfortunately, there are no methods that can permanently get rid of the disease, but with the help of properly selected medications, its development can be slowed down.

First and foremost, doctors will prescribe the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which stop the inflammatory process, relieve pain and significantly improve well-being. The most effective include such drugs as Voltaren, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac. Unfortunately, long-term use of such drugs increases the likelihood of development of erosions and ulcers of the digestive tract.

What other activities require seronegative spondylitis? Treatment may include the use of immunological drugs, in particular "Remicade" and "Immunofan." In addition, patients are selected the appropriate diet, a complex of therapeutic gymnastics, massages. And of course, regular check-ups with a doctor are mandatory.

Is treatment possible with folk remedies?

Today, many people are interested in questions about what constitutes seronegative spondylitis. Symptoms, treatment, causes and signs of the disease are very important points that should be studied. But also often patients are wondering whether it is possible to treat this ailment with the help of traditional medicine.

Folk healers often recommend making compresses from cabbage leaves with honey, grated fresh carrots, as well as turpentine. These methods really help to ease pain in the joints and improve their mobility. It is also possible to warm the affected areas with preheated sea salt, pre-wrapped in a cloth or towel.

All these tools really help to alleviate the condition. But in no case should you try to treat yourself such a disease as seronegative spondylitis. Disability, blindness, circulatory disorders are those complications to which incorrect therapy can lead. Therefore, before starting any kind of folk remedy, be sure to consult your doctor.