Ankylosing spondylitis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following HLA alleles is associated with ankylosing spondylitis?
A. HLA-DQ2
B. HLA-B27
C. HLA-DR15
D. HLA-B14
E. HLA-C06
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. HLA-B27
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis of the spine that typically presents as back pain in younger adults. About 85-95% of patients with AS are HLA-B27 positive. Associated conditions include peripheral arthritis, uveitis, IBD, and psoriasis. Clinical features include back pain (morning stiffness/pain worsening with rest and improving with activity), fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fever. ESR and CRP may be elevated (not required for diagnosis). The Schober test can be used to test for diminished lumbar spine flexion. CT or MRI of the sacroiliac joints can be done to show abnormalities. Treatment includes: aggressive physical therapy, symptom control with NSAIDs, and possibly biologic agents (TNF inhibitors).
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Musculoskeletal ⇒ ⇒
