Comparison of the frequency of HLA B27 gene positivity and negativity and biochemical laboratory findings in patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Aim: To compare some routinely studied hematological and biochemical parameters in HLA-B27 positive and negative ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and to evaluate their potential as early disease activity biomarkers.

Methods: This retrospective study included 272 AS patients (136 HLA-B27 positive and 136 HLA-B27 negative) admitted to the Medical Genetics Department of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital between 2018 and 2020. HLA-B27 genotyping was performed using Real-Time PCR. Demographic and laboratory data were collected from records, and statistical analyses compared biomarker levels between groups using appropriate tests.

Results: Significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) count (p=0.033) and lymphocyte (LYM) (p=0.030) were observed in males; females had higher platelet count (PLT) (p=0.013) and procalcitonin (PCT) (p=0.016). The median values of all analyzed biochemical parameters were significantly higher in the HLA-B27 positive group than in the negative group (p < 0.05). HLA-B27 positive females had higher PLT  and PCT, while negative females showed increased PLT, PCT, neutrophil (NEU), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that hematological and inflammatory markers vary by HLA-B27 status and gender. In addition, elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) and NLR may serve as useful biomarkers for early diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis, highlighting the importance of integrating lab parameters with genetic profiling in AS management.