Inflammatory Joint, Bowel Diseases May Be Linked

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"Our results provide strong evidence that a molecular-genetic approach should be utilized in patients with these diseases," the study's lead author, Dr. Bjarni Thjodleifsson, said in a prepared statement. "If this approach proves successful, this will open the possibility of identifying a common early pathophysiologic event in both AS and IBD that may be amenable to new and selective treatments."

The Spondylitis Association of America estimates that there are at least 500,000 people in the United States with AS, although many cases go undiagnosed. Inflammatory bowel disease is thought to affect up to 600,000 people every year.

More information

To learn more about ankylosing spondylitis, visit the Spondylitis Association of America.