The serum levels of sialic acid (SA) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were
measured in 16 patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)and their relationship with
the disease activity was assessed. They were 12 males (75%) and 4 females (25 %).
Their mean age was 32.3 ± 6.3 years and the mean duration of the disease was 7.1 ± 4
years. Another 13 healthy individuals matched for age and sex were chosen as a
control group. All the patients were subjected to clinical assessment and laboratory
investigations (ESR, CRP). The results showed significant increase in serum level of
sialic acid with non significant change in serum glycosaminoglycans in ankylosing
spondylitis compared to normal controls. Serum sialic acid correlated significantly
with laboratory parameters of activity such as ESR, CRP and clinical parameters such
as vertebral mobility, serum glycosaminglycans did not correlate with laboratory or
clinical parameters of activity. From the previous results, it was found that serum
sialic acid could be used as a parameter of activity in patients with ankylosing
spondylitis. |
