[Seronegative, HLA B 27-associated spondylarthritis. - New orientation in nomenclature and classification?]

Abstract

It is shown that the concept of "seronegative HLA B 27 associated spondarthritis," which is unsatisfactory even as a name, cannot be accepted as a new overgroup in a logically constructed classification. HLA B 27 occurs in certain of these illnesses almost inevitably as a predisposing antigen; in others it is merely a factor modifying the pattern of disease. The illnesses thus are obviously different. In any case, the concept itself is not a diagnosis, in spite of the fact that it is at present often employed as a diagnostic term.