The importance of gastrointestinal nurses being HLA−B27 aware

This paper presents a discussion associated with the causes, symptomatology and medical management of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)−B27 positive autoimmune disorder, uveitis. Ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn′s disease are considered as they are two types of HLA−B27 positive diseases that demonstrate a link to uveitis. The importance of gastrointestinal nurses being HLA−B27 aware is stressed. A conclusion is drawn that the gastrointestinal nurse has an important role in suspecting the potential for uveitis to develop when the patient has an autoimmune disorder (such as Crohn′s disease, ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease), in providing anticipatory guidance, and arranging appropriate referral to an ophthalmologist when necessary.