THE MODERN PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT GUIDELINES AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the spine and lumbosacral joints, characterized by inflammation that can lead to significant disability. Associated with the human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), AS affects 0.1-1.5% of the global population, with a notably higher prevalence in men, typically beginning before the age of 40. The disease has a profound impact on the quality of life, often leading to early disability among young adults. The chronicity of the disease, combined with its potential for severe functional impairment, highlights the importance of timely and effective treatment.