Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis

by Muhammad Asim Khan

Overview

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), currently grouped under the term axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), is a chronic form of arthritis that causes inflammatory back pain and can gradually result in impaired spinal mobility. It can also cause eye inflammation (uveitis), arthritis of limb joints, inflammation at sites of bony attachments of tendons and ligaments (enthesitis), and associated psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. No cure has yet been found; however, early diagnosis and proper medical and lifestyle management are very important in reducing the risk of deformity and disability.

Written by a leading expert on the subject who himself has been living with AS since age 12, this book provides clear and practical information on the clinical symptoms and signs, underlying causes, genetic predisposition, diagnosis, treatments, and impact on daily life. The combination of scientific knowledge and personal experience results in a unique book which will prove invaluable for patients and their families and friends, as well as allied health professionals and students wishing to know more about the condition.

The second edition has been fully updated to cover the tremendous advancements made in the clinical recognition and effective management since the first edition in 2002. It also includes a glossary of medical terms and links to sources of further information to give patients the tools they need to understand and manage the condition effectively.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198864158
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/05/2023
Series:	The Facts Series
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	607,231
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 5.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Muhammad Asim Khan, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Dr Khan obtained his medical degree in 1965 followed by postgraduate training in the UK and US. In 1973 he served on the faculty of Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio, and retired as a tenured full Professor of Medicine in 2012 to become Professor Emeritus of Medicine. He is Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), Master of American College of Physicians (MACP) and American College of Rheumatology (MACR), and a founding member of ASAS, SPARTAN, and GRAPPA devoted to research in AS and SpA. His awards include Distinguished Rheumatologist Award from ACR, Lifetime Achievement Awards from SPARTAN and Ohio Association of Rheumatologists, Spondylitis Association of America's award for "Lifetime of dedication and devotion to people with spondylitis", and their Greg Field Award given to "individuals with AS who have persevered and gone on to be of service to others". He has authored or co-authored seven books on AS-axSpA, over 50 book chapters, and over 250 journal articles.

Table of Contents

1. What is ankylosing spondylitis? 2. What is axial spondyloarthritis? 3. What is the underlying cause? HLA-B27 and other disease predisposing genes4. Disease prevalence5. Early symptoms6. Eye inflammation (acute anterior uveitis)7. Other manifestations8. Findings on clinical examination and laboratory tests9. Radiology, MRI, and CT10. Diagnosis of other forms of SpA and 'look-alikes'11. Other causes of chronic back pain12. Assessment of disease activity and functional impairment13. Patient education14. Exercise and physical therapy15. Management: An Overview16. Management: Patient's role17. Management: Rheumatologist's role18. NSAIDs and conventional DMARDs19. Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors20. IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors; and targeted synthetic DMARDs21. Living with the disease and its socioeconomic impact22. Fused (ankylosed) spine and risk of fractures23. Surgical treatment24. Nontraditional (complementary or alternative) therapy25. Disease course and effect on lifespan26. Illustrative case historiesAppendix 1: Patient support groups and organizationsAppendix 2: GlossaryAppendix 3: List of abbreviationsAppendix 4: References and further reading

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Joseph S Yusin, MD (VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System)
Description: This book provides an overview of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) for both providers and patients. It describes the disease, along with its pathogenesis, clinical onset, progression, and tools used in diagnosis. The book also contains sections on management, including suggested exercises and updated treatments. The boxes and diagrams used throughout the book are extremely helpful and easy to follow. This second edition is an update to the original version, which was published in 2016.
Purpose: The purpose of the book is to educate families and friends of those diagnosed with AS/axSpA, as well as healthcare providers. The book aims to explain the condition using clinical and diagnostic criteria, along with practical ways to manage the disease, from tips on daily living to new medications available. These objectives are met, and readers will gain valuable information from the book.
Audience: The audience includes patients and their support groups, as well as healthcare providers and students. The book meets the needs of the intended audience. Educating patients will give them a solid grasp of the disease and help them gain control. Additionally, equipping providers with information on various aspects of the disease is necessary to help manage patients. The author is an academic rheumatologist with multiple peer-reviewed publications. He was diagnosed with AS in childhood, and thus is the ideal writer for this book.
Features: The book is divided into various sections, beginning with definitions and reviewing the pathogenesis and prevalence of the disease. It then explains various clinical aspects, including organ systems. The book covers diagnostic tools, including x-ray, CT, and MRI findings. The later portions focus on treatment and self-management. Each section is well-written with concise, easy-to-understand explanations. The appendix section contains a glossary and references, which enables easy access to specific information of interest. In addition, the book provides a list of patient support groups and organizations. One shortcoming is that the illustrations are black and white where color would be appreciated, though this a minor observation.
Assessment: This book is a valuable reference and vital resource for patients diagnosed with AS/axSpA. Patients will gain background knowledge of their disease along with pertinent resources and support group information. For providers, this book offers a very concise explanation of the disease, covering clinical and diagnostic aspects, as well as up-to-date treatment options. It will improve their understanding of the disease and how patients manage through daily living. Given the new advances in therapy and changes in organizations, this second edition is needed.

Doody's Review Service

"Written for patients by a patient who is also a leading authority on spondyloarthritis, this book is an essential reference and reading for people living with axial spondyloarthritis — with ankylosing spondylitis as its prototype — and their caregivers who want to learn about the disease and how to manage it well." — Michael Mallinson, Patient Advocate and Volunteer, Axial Spondyloarthritis International Federation (ASIF)

From the Publisher