What is ankylosing spondylitis (AS) associated with?

From the Guidelines

Ankylosing spondylitis is strongly associated with several extra-articular features, including inflammatory bowel disease, anterior uveitis, psoriasis, and cardiovascular complications, in addition to its primary effects on the spine and sacroiliac joints. This chronic inflammatory disease primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, but is also associated with peripheral joint involvement, particularly in the hips, shoulders, and knees. Key associations of ankylosing spondylitis include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 1, which is a significant comorbidity
• Anterior uveitis, or eye inflammation
• Psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by scaly, itchy patches
• Cardiovascular complications, such as aortic regurgitation and conduction abnormalities
• Pulmonary issues, including upper lobe fibrosis The condition is more commonly found in young males, with symptoms typically beginning in late adolescence or early adulthood 1. The chronic inflammation characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis can lead to fusion of the spine (ankylosis) and significant disability if not properly managed, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to improve quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality.

From the FDA Drug Label

1. 4 Ankylosing Spondylitis Enbrel is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). There is no information in the provided drug labels that directly supports an answer to what ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Associations with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

• AS is associated with extraarticular manifestations such as:
  • Uveitis 2, 3, 4
  • Psoriasis 2, 5, 4
  • Inflammatory bowel disease 2, 5, 3, 4
• AS is also associated with an increased risk of:
  • Cardiovascular disease 2
  • Osteoporosis 2, 3
  • Spinal fracture 3
• Other conditions associated with AS include:
  • Reactive arthritis 5
  • Enteropathic arthritis 5
  • Undifferentiated spondylarthropathy 5
  • Anterior uveitis 3
• AS may be associated with excess cardiovascular mortality due to increased risks of:
  • Myocardial infarction 2
  • Stroke 2
  • Venous thromboembolism 2