Can HLA-B27 positivity and my ear pain be related?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female. For the last two months, I have had some pains in the right ear (back side) and neck. I went for some tests, and I came to know that HLA-B27 is positive. I am currently working and cannot concentrate as I get severe pain. I have a few questions regarding HLA-B27. 1. Why HLA-B27 is positive? Is it because of any deficiency in the body? 2. What is the reason for HLA-B27 is positive? Will I face any problems in the future after marriage? The medicine which I am using currently is Naproxen. Also, the doctor asked me to use eye drops for one month.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Please answer the following questions to know further details.

Did you have any redness in your eye, also? (the reason for eye drops).
Do you have pain in the back, also?
Is your neck pain worst in the morning time?

HLA (human leukocyte antigens) B27 is an immunological marker of a group of rheumatological diseases called spondyloarthritis. It is a gene that is present by birth. So it is positive because it came from your parents. HLA B27 may be present in about 7 % of people, but the disease occurs in only a few. So it is significant only if your symptoms correlate with those of spondyloarthritis. It does not directly affect pregnancy or childbearing. Naproxen alone may not be helpful. You may contact a rheumatologist there or may contact me for any further queries. I hope it was helpful.

Thank you.