HLA-B27 STATUS IN SPONDYLOARTHROPATHIES

Abstract

Introduction: The human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are gene loci in the major histocompatibility
complex class I of genes on chromosome 6, present on all nucleated cells. This activity reviews the
varied presentations of HLA-B27 associated syndromes. Diverse disease presentations often require
interprofessional approaches to care for patients with HLA-B27 syndromes.
Objectives of the study: The objective of the present study is to estimate HLA-B27 levels in
patients with seronegative spondyloarthopathies.
Materials and methods: In the present study, we included the patients with seronegative
spondyloarthropathies in the age group of 30-70 years. We included a total of 60 patients with
SNSA. The diagnosis of SNSA include the absence of RA factor, subcutaneous nodules, sacroilitis,
inflammatory peripheral arthritis, ocular inflammation, alteration of skin, buccal ulceration,
enthesopathy, thrombophlebitis, pyoderma gangraenosum, familial aggregation and association
with HLA-B27. Serologic-based HLA typing using Antigen-specific sera was used to determine a
patient’s HLA type.
Results: In the present study, we included a total of 60 patients of SNSA based on the inclusion
criteria mentioned above, the patients were in the age group of 30-70 years. Majority of the patients
in our study were in the age group of 30-40 years. It is evident that out of the 60 patients studied
HLA-B27 was detected in 8 patients and it is not detected in 52 patients. The prevalence of HLAB27 in patients with SNSA is found to be 13.3%.
Discussion and conclusion: In conclusion, our findings confirm the strong association of the HLA
B27 allele with various types of seronagative SpAs. No association between each of major clinical
manifestations with age and sex distribution. We suggest that HLA Typing would help in the
diagnosis of seronagative SpAs specially AS where clinical presentation is unclear and in
identifying the family members at risk.