Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome and Ankylosing Spondylitis – evidence of a genetic link
For years doctors and researchers have noticed a link between some intestinal diseases and some forms of arthritis. This is often seen in patients with ankylosing spondylitis who the go on to develop inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, assessed the occurrence of IBD and AS among relatives and the risk of inheriting either and both disorders. Their results provide compelling evidence of a link.
For further information, click on:
http://www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/arthritis
In Norway researchers are privileged to enjoy an extensive geneologic database collected by a company called deCode. Norway’s population, unlike most of the rest of the world, is homogenous – that is the country’s people have hardly mixed with other global cultures so their genetic make-up has remained the same for many, many years. That means that genetic differences are more likely to be detected. These differences coupled with a family history database extending over 50 years means disease and outcomes can be mapped within families.
Penny
About 30 years ago because of back pain I went to an arthritis specialist. Nothing at age 26 looked like arthritis but blood sed rate, which in itself back then wasn’t conclusive enough to pin-point AS. Memory doesn’t serve me well but I was given a pill to take for a week or so and the Doc siad if I were to gain weight after a week I more than likely had AS. The other test was chest expansion which she said I didn’t, in her opinion have. I since have had colon cancer (15 years ago) and recovered but now am experiencing very disturbing digestive problems. What made me think back on being diagnosed with AS is the fact that my mornings most usually are painful enough that yawning and stretching in the mornings are no longer appealing because of pain in my lower rib and abdomen area. Also of all things, Motrin at night many times allows me ( I think) to wake up feeling good. I don’t have insurance and find it very difficult to work out in public with this problem but I need help as my doctors are being little to no help, because I look fine except for the fact that to look at me you know I am not “thriving”. If there is anything you can share I would be very grateful. Thank you, Greg