title: Current thinking on spondarthritides.
abstract: In this article I have briefly considered current thinking in the field of spondarthritis. Etiopathogenetic aspects include the structure of the HLA-B27 molecule and the population distribution of B27, as well as the significance of bacterial infection in the disease process. Diagnostic aspects have focused on infrared thermography, radionuclide scintigraphy, and computerized tomography. The current therapeutic position involves the traditional combination of NSAID, exercises, and surgery, as well as a new interest in sulfasalazine.
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Center for Rheumatic Disease, Nether Edge Hospital, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Moll
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000276:immunology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D006680:HLA Antigens; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen