HLA-B*27-associated arthritis across the ages – bridging the gap

Abstract

HLA-B*27-associated arthritis comprises a number of different forms of inflammatory arthritis with a common phenotype, encompassed by the term spondyloarthritis. The clinical features and outcomes differ across the age spectrum which has resulted in different classification systems being applied to paediatric and adult disease. However, the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis related to HLA-B*27 appears similar across the ages and recent advances in our understanding of the role of HLA-B*27 in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis may influence future treatment options.