Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy

Overview of Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis

Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy (USpA) is a term used to describe symptoms and signs of spondylitis in someone who does not meet the criteria for a definitive diagnosis of AS or related disease. Sometimes a doctor may make an initial diagnosis of ‘Spondyloarthropathy’ or ‘Unclassified Spondyloarthropathy’ if certain symptoms are present but are not enough to make a specific diagnosis. Over time, some people with USpA will develop a well-defined form of spondylitis such as ankylosing spondylitis.

Some doctors consider USpA a ‘cousin’ to ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, spondylitis associated with inflammatory bowel/Crohn’s disease, and reactive arthritis, all of which are certainly more familiar to physicians and consequently are most frequently diagnosed.

Many people with USpA have been told over the years that they are simply ‘anxious and depressed’ or received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder associated with widespread muscle and soft tissue pain. Thus, considering it is often overlooked makes it even more essential to do research for yourself and stay informed.

Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis Symptoms

The condition of undifferentiated spondyloarthritis becomes difficult to identify because patients experience pain as their single symptom.

Other symptoms which may appear include:

• The condition causes persistent lower back pain which begins in the buttocks area before it moves to the back during the patient’s middle age or younger years.
• People experience whole-body stiffness which becomes more pronounced during morning hours but exercise or movement activities help to reduce its intensity.
• The hands and feet experience swelling together with pain which most commonly affects the heel area.
• Medical tests reveal hidden gut inflammation which produces symptoms that match bowel infections and inflammatory bowel disease.
• The condition causes pain to appear in both small and large joints which primarily affects the legs and feet before it spreads to one side of the body.
• The eyes become inflamed which results in three possible symptoms: redness and pain and light sensitivity.
• The skin develops red bumpy rashes which occur together with fever and recurring joint pain.
• People experience different symptoms which develop at different rates and either stay constant or fluctuate in their intensity.

Causes and Risk Factors

The genetic marker HLA-B27 exists in most people who have undifferentiated spondyloarthritis which indicates that the condition has a hereditary component. Some families have experienced both gentle intestinal inflammation and Crohn’s disease which indicates that intestinal health might affect joint health.

Research indicates that gut inflammation creates joint pain and additional symptoms which affect certain individuals. The development of this condition might begin through viral or bacterial infections which affect people who have inherited genetic vulnerabilities.

Is There a Cure?

Currently, there is no known cure for USpA, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain.

Disease Course/Prognosis

Patients with USpA generally have a good prognosis, but over time, some may develop AS or related disease depending on the individual. Some experts believe that those who test positive for the HLA-B27 genetic marker are more likely to develop full-blown AS after initially being diagnosed with undifferentiated spondyloarthopathy.

A minority of people with USpA will have mild and intermittent symptoms requiring only symptomatic therapy, but many will have chronic, yet not severe, symptoms requiring regular treatment and medication.