Abstract |
Despite the availability of modern imaging modalities, early diagnosis of sacroiliitis remains a challenge. The patient's history and the results of the clinical examination form the basis for establishing a working diagnosis, which then needs to be confirmed by laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging. Common causes of sacroiliitis are inflammatory diseases of the spine, in particular seronegative spondyloarthropathies; infectious sacroiliitis is much less common. Besides serological testing (HLA-B27), imaging techniques are essential for diagnosing early forms of sacroiliitis. The treatment of the condition initially involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs). In patients with infectious sacroiliitis, antibiotics are the treatment of choice. Local application of steroids, or physiotherapy, can be helpful. The value of disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) ( sulfasalazine, methotrexate) has not been verified, and is questionable. New approaches such as anti- tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti- TNF alpha) need to be tested in controlled studies.
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Authors | H Kellner, W Kellner |
Journal | MMW Fortschritte der Medizin
(MMW Fortschr Med)
Vol. 142
Issue 41
Pg. 30-4
(Oct 12 2000)
ISSN: 1438-3276 [Print] Germany |
Vernacular Title | Teil 1: Klinik, Labordiagnostik und Therapie. Kreuzschmerzen--Wann steckt eine Sakroiliitis dahinter? |
PMID | 11085073
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Arthritis
(diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
- Back Pain
(etiology, therapy)
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Humans
- Sacroiliac Joint
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