From koreabiomed.com
Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis may appear to be distinct diseases, but they share many commonalities.The most notable of these is that all three are rheumatic diseases caused by abnormalities in the body's immune system, leading to inflammation in the joints and throughout the body.
“There is another important commonality among gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis,” said Professor Lee Joo-ha of the Department of Rheumatology at the Catholic University of Korea’s Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, speaking on Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital TV. “For rheumatic diseases like psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout, early diagnosis and consistent management are paramount. Missing the treatment window can lead to joint damage and various complications, significantly lowering quality of life.”
Gout is rapidly increasing, even among young people. It is a disease in which uric acid crystals -- formed by elevated blood uric acid levels -- accumulate in or around joints, causing inflammation. “It is often due to a reduced ability to excrete uric acid through the kidneys,” Professor Lee explained. “It is not diagnosed based solely on high blood uric acid levels.”
During a severe gout flare-up, uric acid levels can actually appear normal. “Particular caution is needed during acute attacks, as levels may remain within the normal range,” Professor Lee said.
Some mistakenly believe treatment ends once a flare-up subsides, but this is not the case. “Consistent medication management of uric acid levels is essential to prevent complications like tophi or bone damage. Taking urate-lowering drugs is the core of treatment, and avoiding alcohol and certain foods also helps,” Professor Lee said. “The benefits of consistent treatment far outweigh concerns about side effects.”
Ankylosing spondylitis causes back pain that worsens at rest and improves with movement—it is not simple back pain. It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system primarily attacks the spine and pelvic joints, causing inflammation and potentially leading to gradual spinal fusion. It typically begins in young adults, primarily between the ages of 15 and 30.
Professor Lee described the hallmark symptom of ankylosing spondylitis as “inflammatory back pain that worsens with rest and improves with movement,” adding that “morning stiffness is characteristic.” Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation in other joints, as well as in the eyes, skin, and intestines.
Diagnosis involves confirming characteristic back pain and systemic symptoms, supplemented by imaging and genetic testing such as HLA-B27. Controlling inflammation and alleviating pain through medication can prevent spinal deformity and help maintain a healthy daily life. Consistent stretching and exercise are also crucial.
Psoriatic arthritis affects the skin, hands, and even the toenails. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, spine, and tendon attachment sites, along with psoriatic skin and nail symptoms. Diagnosis involves comprehensively assessing both skin and joint symptoms, along with blood tests and imaging studies, to differentiate it from other conditions.
Controlling inflammation and pain with medication can help manage joint damage and psoriasis symptoms. Currently, effective treatments include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and JAK inhibitors.
Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis share one final commonality.
“Even if the pain seems to subside temporarily, if it recurs -- or if morning stiffness or pain persists -- it may not be ordinary pain,” Professor Lee said. “It is crucial not to dismiss these symptoms lightly and to consult a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis.”
https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=29496
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