What does JAS mean in MEDICAL

Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis (JAS) is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and other joints in children and adolescents. Symptoms may include stiffness, pain, decreased range of motion, and deformity in affected joints.

Children between ages 8-16 are the most at risk group for developing JAS. People with family histories of ankylosing spondylitis or who have certain human leukocyte antigens (HLA-B27) may be at greater risk for developing juvenile ankylosing spondylitis.

Common symptoms associated with JAS include stiffness and pain in the back or neck, fatigue, limited range of motion in the spine or other affected joints, eye inflammation or uveitis, redness around the eyes, joint swelling or tenderness, sudden growth spurts during adolescence, bowel inflammation resulting in loose stools, abdominal pain or cramping during flares.

Diagnosis is based on physical examination findings along with X-ray imaging studies to see if any bony erosions have occurred due to the condition. A blood test may also be ordered to check for elevated levels of certain inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Other specialized tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used if necessary.

Treatment options vary widely depending on each individual's case but may include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF inhibitors), physical therapy aimed at maintaining joint function/range of motion and lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise to help manage symptoms. Surgical intervention may also be needed in some cases.