Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain, stiffness and eventual fusion of the spine and joints to the pelvis. Researchers  at The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute have identified a panel of gene variants that have applications in the diagnosis of AS. Results from large clinical studies (2500 AS patients) have demonstrated the improved diagnostic outcome compared to either HLA-B27 or MRI alone. Used in conjunction with the HLA-B27, these biomarkers are able to improve the predictive value of developing AS from 37% (B27 positive) to 73% (all markers positive) in patients displaying early symptoms of AS.

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