title: Spondyloarthropathies.
abstract: The spondyloarthropathies include ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis (including Reiter's syndrome), psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease-associated spondyloarthropathy, and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy. These diseases are linked by their association with the HLA-B27 gene and by the presence of enthesitis as the basic pathologic lesion. Additional clinical features include inflammatory back pain, dactylitis, and extra-articular manifestations such as uveitis and skin rash. The history and physical examination are the major diagnostic tools, although radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis is helpful. Therapeutic options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can help to limit disability.
authors.affiliation: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141, USA.
authors.forename: Rajesh K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Kataria
authors.forename: Lawrence H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Brent
mesh_terms: D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016918:Arthritis, Reactive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy