Which is more severe: ankylosing spondylitis with positive or negative HLA-B27?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is commonly referred to as "ankylosis." Generally, patients who are HLA-B27 positive tend to have a more severe condition than those who are HLA-B27 negative. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease within the category of rheumatic disorders, primarily characterized by inflammatory lesions in the sacroiliac joints and spinal attachment sites. Typically, the disease course in HLA-B27 negative individuals is somewhat milder than in those who are HLA-B27 positive. Moreover, the two groups differ in etiology, clinical manifestations, and prognosis. In HLA-B27 negative patients, onset is mainly associated with infection, environmental factors, and endocrine influences. In contrast, HLA-B27 positive patients often have a genetic predisposition and show familial clustering. These HLA-B27 positive individuals usually present with milder clinical symptoms that are easier to control, and they have a relatively lower risk of progressing to severe ankylosis or disability.

If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, it is recommended they seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.