Seronegative spondylitis is a disease that is associated with inflammation and damage to the joints, 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 do they manifest? How dangerous can the consequences be? Does modern medicine offer truly effective treatments? The answers to these questions will be of interest to many readers.
What is this group of diseases?
As already mentioned, seronegative spondylitis (spindylarthritis) is a fairly large group of chronic inflammatory diseases that are somewhat related to each other. In particular, the group of these diseases includes idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, enterotic arthritis.
In fact, until recently, all these pathologies belonged to the group of rheumatoid arthritis (seropositive). It was only in the 1970s that several significant differences were first revealed. Around the same time, the first scale for assessing the condition of patients, as well as a classification scheme for seronegative diseases, was developed.
Today it is difficult to judge the extent of this pathology, since in many people the disease is sluggish, and many patients get the wrong diagnosis. We can only say with confidence that men become victims of this disease much more often, but in women, the disease can be accompanied by a minimal 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 isolate seronegative spondylitis in a separate group of diseases. It will be useful to familiarize yourself with their list:
- With such diseases, in the process of diagnosis, it is possible to determine the absence of a rheumatic factor.
- Arthritis develops asymmetrically.
- There are no characteristic subcutaneous nodules.
- During the radiograph, you can see signs of ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis.
- Close interaction with the HLA-B27 antigen is present.
- As a rule, several family members suffer from this ailment at once.
In any case, it is worthwhile to understand that in order to make an accurate diagnosis it is necessary to undergo a full examination, take tests, help the doctor collect the most complete medical history.
The main causes of the development of the disease
Unfortunately, not in every case it is possible to find out the reasons for the development of this ailment. Nevertheless, over the past few years it has been possible to prove the relationship of the disease with some intestinal infections, including salmonellosis, dysentery and yersiniosis. Seronegative spondylitis can also develop against a background of urogenital diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (for example, chlamydia). Food toxicosis can aggravate the situation.
In addition, there is also a certain genetic predisposition to a disease such as seronegative spondylitis. Recent studies in this area have shown that patients with this disease 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. That is why the 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
This disease is characterized by a classic articular syndrome, which is accompanied by pain during movement (at later stages and at rest), stiffness, swelling, and redness. As a rule, the joints of the spine are primarily affected, but the inflammatory process is also possible in other joints. Temperature with seronegative spondylitis is possible, but it usually stays in subfebrile limits.
For this disease, lesions of other organ systems are characteristic. For example, patients develop cataracts, iritis, uveitis, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, optic nerve damage. In about 17% of cases, inflammatory bowel diseases appear. On the part of the skin, keratoderma, erythema, ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes are possible. Much less often (in about 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 worth saying that the diagnosis in such cases is quite complicated, because diseases from this group often have similarities with other rheumatic diseases. Therefore, in addition to consulting with a rheumatologist, the patient must undergo examination by a gastroenterologist, ophthalmologist, cardiologist, and sometimes also a urologist and dermatologist.
First of all, a laboratory blood test is needed. As a rule, during this study, an increase in the level of C-reactive protein is detected, but characteristic rheumatic factors are absent.
Next, an examination of the bone apparatus is carried out, which includes arthroscopy, radiography, and joint puncture. It is necessary to evaluate the work of the heart - for this purpose, patients are prescribed an ECG, aortography, and MRI. Since intestine and kidney damage is often observed against the background of the disease, the doctor can prescribe a coprogram, colonoscopy, urography, ultrasound and CT of the kidneys.
Spondyloarthritis seronegative: consequences
How dangerous can this disease be? What are the consequences of seronegative spondylitis? Disability is by no means uncommon 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 in most cases it cannot be completely stopped.
Other complications include decreased vision and blindness, as well as severe skin lesions with subsequent infection, impaired heart function up to the development of aortic heart disease. The disease affects the kidneys, so patients may develop renal failure (with the right treatment, this happens very rarely).
What treatment methods does modern medicine offer?
What drugs are used in the presence of a disease such as seronegative spondylitis? The treatment in most cases is conservative. Unfortunately, there are no methods that can permanently relieve the disease, but with the help of correctly selected medications its development can be slowed down.
First of all, 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 drugs include Voltaren, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac. Unfortunately, prolonged use of such drugs increases the likelihood of erosion and ulcers of the digestive tract.
What other activities does seronegative spondylitis require? Treatment may include the use of immunological drugs, in particular, Remicade and Immunofan. In addition, the appropriate diet, therapeutic gymnastics complex, and massages are selected for patients. And of course, regular medical examinations are mandatory.
Is treatment possible with folk remedies?
Today, many people are interested in what is seronegative spondylitis. Symptoms, treatment, causes and signs of the disease are very important points that are worth exploring. But also often, patients are interested in whether this disease can be treated with the help of traditional medicine.
Folk healers often recommend making compresses from cabbage leaves with honey, grated fresh carrots, and turpentine. These methods really help to relieve joint pain and improve their mobility. You can also warm the affected area with hot sea salt, pre-wrapping it in a cloth or towel.
All of these remedies really help alleviate the condition. But in no case should you try to independently treat a disease such as seronegative spondylitis. Disability, blindness, circulatory disorders - these are the complications that improper therapy can lead to. Therefore, before using any folk remedy, be sure to consult your doctor.