7 out of 10 Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a Condition Causing Spinal Joint Stiffness, Are Male

May 7th 'World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day'
In 2020, Male Patients 72.3%, Female Patients 27.7%

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] It has been found that 7 out of 10 patients with ankylosing spondylitis are male.

The National Health Insurance Service announced on the 7th, in commemoration of "World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day," the health insurance treatment status for ankylosing spondylitis from 2016 to 2020. The number of patients treated for ankylosing spondylitis increased by 20.5%, from 40,064 in 2016 to 48,261 in 2020.

By gender, the number of ankylosing spondylitis patients was 34,891 males, accounting for 72.3% of the total. Females numbered 13,370, making up 27.7% of the total.

By age group, those in their 40s were the largest at 24.7% (11,916 patients), followed by those in their 30s at 20.5% (9,884 patients). Teenagers accounted for 1.3% (630 patients), the lowest among all age groups.

The total medical expenses for ankylosing spondylitis in 2020 amounted to 121.7 billion KRW. Medical expenses for males were about 95.4 billion KRW, higher than females (about 26.2 billion KRW). The total medical expenses increased by approximately 42.5% compared to 85.5 billion KRW in 2016. The average annual growth rate was 9.2%.

Professor Park Jin-soo of the Rheumatology Department at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital explained, "Ankylosing spondylitis occurs about 2 to 2.5 times more frequently in males, with more severe symptoms and an onset about 2 to 3 years earlier than in females. It is especially more common in males under 40 years of age. Although the exact reason is unknown, it is believed to be related to genetic factors and sex hormones."

Ankylosing spondylitis mainly presents with "inflammatory back pain," characterized by stiffness in the lower back upon waking in the early morning or after getting up, which improves with activity. Additionally, swelling and pain may occur in the shoulder, knee, and hip joints, or conditions such as Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis may appear.

The exact cause of onset is not yet clearly identified, but it is known to be associated with the presence or absence of the gene "HLA-B27." Other factors such as bacteria, trauma, stress, and hormones are also presumed to influence the condition.

As spinal stiffness progresses, flexibility decreases, and if the cervical spine is affected, vision problems may arise, increasing the risk of injury and fractures. Furthermore, if chest stiffness progresses, respiratory difficulties due to reduced lung function may occur.

Professor Park said, "Once stiffness has progressed, it is impossible to return to the original state with medication alone, so early treatment to slow the progression is important."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.