Ankylosing spondylitis Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

The course of the disease is unpredictable. Symptoms may come and go at any time. Most people are able to function unless the hips are severely involved.

Complications

Rarely, people may have problems with the aortic heart valve (aortic insufficiency) and heart rhythm problems.

Some patients may have pulmonary fibrosis or restrictive lung disease.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
• You have ankylosing spondylitis and develop new symptoms during treatment

Prevention

Prevention is unknown. Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello DA. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Sidiropoulos PI, Hatemi G, Song IH, et al. Evidence-based recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis: systematic literature search of the 3E Initiative in Rheumatology involving a broad panel of experts and practising rheumatologists. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008. 47(3):355-61.

Dagfinrud H, Kvien TK, Hagen KB. Physiotherapy interventions for ankylosing spondylitis. Cochrane Database, Syst Rev. 2008. (1):CD002822.