POLL...........

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150611082126.htm?

Low birth weight and childhood infections predict ankylosing spondylitis
Date:
June 11, 2015
Source:
European League Against Rheumatism
Summary:
The results of a new study showed that a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can be predicted by low birth weight, having older siblings and hospitalization for infection between the ages of 5-16 years. These data suggest that these factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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FULL STORY
The results of a study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2015) Press Conference showed that a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be predicted by low birth weight, having older siblings and hospitalisation for infection between the ages of 5-16 years. These data suggest that these factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

AS is a painful and progressive form of arthritis caused by chronic inflammation of the joints in the spine. Prevalence of AS varies globally, and is estimated at 23.8 per 10,000 in Europe and 31.9 per 10,000 in North America.

The cause of AS is unknown. Although AS is strongly associated with the genotype HLA-B27, not everyone testing positive for the marker goes on to develop the disease.

"A link between AS and the HLA-B27 genotype was established more than three decades ago, yet studies on the environmental risk factors are few," said study investigator Dr. Ulf Lindström, Institute of Medicine, Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden. "Our research has identified three factors associated with significantly increased risk of the disease in later life. These data strengthen our understanding of the interplay between genetics and environment in AS, and bring us closer to pinpointing the underlying cause of the disease."

Statistically significant increased risks were observed for birth weight under 3,000g (18% vs. 15%), having older siblings (63% vs. 58%) and for hospitalisation due to infections at age 5-12 (5% vs. 3%) and age 13-16 (2% vs. 1%). These factors have been implicated in other, associated disease; the triggering effect of infections in reactive arthritis has been established, birth weight has been shown to predict development of autoimmune disease (diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis), and a link between older siblings and disease risk has been demonstrated in asthma.

Data from several Swedish national registers were used for this study, with five matched controls (sex, age, county) identified for each case of AS. Exposures assessed were birth weight, gestational age, type of birth (single/multiple), number of older siblings and exposure to infections.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by European League Against Rheumatism. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.



OK. Let`s see what we can come up with...

To start the ball rolling. Me.
Normal birthweight 7lbs 7ozs. Full term
Third child - so two older (and later two younger)
Childhood Infection - yes. At 7 yrs infection of some sort, fever etc, not Dx. Aged 10 yrs Scarlatina Nephritis, very ill. Discharged from further surveillance at aged 19yrs.

Next AS`er - see if we can agree this finding...
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Interesting.

Me: Birthweight ? but three weeks early, and have an idea I was a bit small, and less than 7lb
Oldest (of three)
hospitalised for pneumonia and collapsed lung at age of 7 or 8, also nursed at home (by mum) through some fairly serious chest infections between aged 5 and 12

Hmmm...

- My birth weight was 8 lb 15 oz, so not underweight.
- Two older siblings.
- No childhood infections.

Hmmm. 6.5 lbs. Premie born before me -- didn't make it. Older half brother. Younger brother, younger sister. Double mastoid infection at 18 months. Aseptic gram-negative infection at 17 (landed me in the hospital with IV antibiotics).

Adam Rodman

I had a relatively low birthweight: 6 lbs? 6 lbs _ ounces? something like that. definitely not above that.

had german measles (rubella) before I can remember. my mom told me, told me it ruined their vacation. they were supposed to go down to florida and then i got sick.

i wonder if she'd remember how my GI was before and after that illness? I remember prune juice for constipation before I started school, but i wonder when that started?

Very interesting. Time will tell how all of this is related or not.

thanks molly.

I was a bonnie wee baby 9lbs
youngest of 5
normal amount of childhood illnesses but no hospitalizations.
I always had sprains and twisted ankles or such growing up

Very interesting. 6.25 lbs at birth. Double mastoid infection at 12 months. Aseptic gram negative infection requiring hospitalization for two weeks of IV antibiotics at 17. Older half brother. Premature sibling before me that did not survive.

FWIW

Adam Rodman

Interesting. I was just a couple of weeks early and 5 pounds 14. Did have some infections and ridges in adult teeth attributed to illness as a baby but no hospitalisations. I'm theoldest in my family.

I would ask is that a "chicken or egg study". Couldn't low birth weight, early childhood infections be manifestation of AS not elements of causation. I like the very random nature of the older sibling factor.

As for me. Above average birthwieght, middle of three children and has one mystery high grade undiagnosed fever befroe turning two. So except birthweight I guess I partially fit the parameters.

yes, correlation does not mean causation.

I don't remember my exact weight, but it was between 5 and 6 pounds.

I'm the youngest of 6 kids, (one in the middle died at about 6 weeks of age).

I didn't have any hospitalizations, but I was constantly sick, going to the doctor and getting more shots than any one person should have.

Ha! I finally found it!

Hi Molly,

I had low birth weight, 3 older siblings (all of whom have autoimmune diseases) and several ear, mastoid, strep & pneumonia infections between the ages of 5-16 years.

Thanks for posting this poll!

Interesting.

6~4oz., hospitalized for tonsils and adenoids age 2 - german measles and chicken pox (both at home) as a child of 4-8, two older half siblings.

Not sure if it matters. As Steve says, is it cause or effect? We may never know. I have a feeling that it matters for some, not for others. Kind of like everything else AS.

Love and warm hugs,