Content
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1Seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: what are the differences?
- 1.1Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
- 1.2Stages of rheumatoid arthritis
- 1.3The course of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
- 1.4Treatment of seropositive arthritis
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2Causes, symptoms of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, treatment and diet
- 2.1Causes of the disease
- 2.2Symptoms
- 2.3Diagnosis of pathology
- 2.4Methods of treatment
- 2.5Medicines
- 2.6Treatment without drugs
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3Seronegative and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: differences, stages, treatment
- 3.1Etiology of joint disease
- 3.2Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
- 3.3Symptoms of the disease
- 3.4Stages of the disease development
- 3.5Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
- 3.6Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
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4All about seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: symptoms and effective treatment
- 4.1What it is?
- 4.2Symptoms of pathology
- 4.3Diagnostics
- 4.4Is it possible to cure
- 4.5Differences between seronegative and seropositive arthritis
- 4.6Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
- 4.7Preparations
- 4.8Treatment with Methotrexate
- 4.9Treatment in hospital
- 4.10Treatment with folk remedies
- 4.11Physiotherapy
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5Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: what is it and how to treat it
- 5.1The difference from seropositive
- 5.2Symptoms and Diagnosis
- 5.3What joints are susceptible
- 5.4Stages of development
- 5.5Methods of treatment and complications
- 5.6Prophylaxis and prognosis
Seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: what are the differences?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the joints, vessels and internal organs of a person are affected. When diagnosing this disease, the blood is checked for the presence of rheumatoid factor.
In the event that a rheumatoid factor is found in the blood and "rheumatoid arthritis" is diagnosed for other symptoms, this disease is called seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.
If the rheumatoid factor in the blood is not detected, and the diagnosis is still "rheumatoid arthritis then this arthritis is seronegative.
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis occurs in 20% of people who develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
To date, there is no exact reason for causing rheumatoid arthritis. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis include:
- genetic predisposition;
- age above 40 years;
- injuries;
- stress;
- allergy;
- infectious diseases;
- endocrine disorders;
- supercooling;
- a bad ecological situation.
The disease "rheumatoid arthritis" refers to autoimmune diseases. With such diseases, certain types of immunoglobulins produced by the body of the patient are perceived by the immune system as foreign and attacked by it.
In the case of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies produced by the human immune system affect the membrane of the joints, the joint begins inflammation, which can lead to the destruction of the joint itself and the damage to tissues, cartilage and bones located next to the joint.
Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis rarely begins in an acute form. Usually the disease develops slowly, and its symptoms manifest themselves unnoticed for the sick.
First, small joints of the upper and lower extremities are affected, then larger joints and cervical spine are involved in the process.
The patient loses appetite, begins to lose weight, quickly gets tired and sweats profusely, in the mornings (or after a long rest) feels stiffness in all joints.
With the progression of arthritis, rheumatoid nodules appear under the skin, which are easy to detect in the area of the elbow joint. Also, with seropositive arthritis, there may be pinpoint necrosis of the skin. Acute rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to all the listed symptoms, is manifested by fever.
Stages of rheumatoid arthritis
The stages of rheumatoid arthritis are determined by X-ray examination. There are such stages:
1) the initial stage - okolosustavnoy osteoporosis;
2) the second stage - there is osteoporosis, as well as narrowing of the joint gap;
3) the third stage - bone erosion is added to osteoporosis and narrowing of the joint space;
4) at the fourth stage joins the ankylosis of the joint.
The course of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
In case of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to the rheumatoid factor, an increase in ESR and a level of C-reactive protein in the blood is detected in the blood, and the level of hemoglobin also decreases. The course of rheumatic polyarthritis can be various: from mild forms with a long-term remission of the disease, to very severe joint-visceral forms.
With this disease in the body the following changes occur:
- connective tissue is affected;
- Vessels are affected (vasculitis);
- under the skin appear dense rounded neoplasms - rheumatoid nodules;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- increased liver and spleen;
- the lungs are affected (alveolitis, pleurisy, fibrosis) - cough and shortness of breath appear;
- affects the heart (all layers - myocardium, pericardium and endocardium);
- disrupted the work of the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, stool;
- develops kidney failure - due to the development of amyloidosis;
- damage to the eyes (scleritis, episcleritis);
- the metabolism is disturbed.
The course of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis can be slow or rapid.
However, in any case, the disease leads to serious changes in the joints and internal organs, resulting in a violation of their functions and subsequent loss of ability to work for patients.
A feature of rheumatoid arthritis is a strong pain syndrome, the manifestation of which may not depend on other manifestations of the disease.
The onset of the disease is usually characterized by a wave-like variation in the severity of the symptoms with a slow but consistent involvement of the new joints in the inflammatory process.
The unfolded stage of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis is manifested by deformation and destruction of joints. In this stage, a deviation of the brush to the outside, a subluxation of phalanges or a hammer-shaped form of fingers, a flatfoot may be observed.
Treatment of seropositive arthritis
Treatment of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis consists in slowing down the process of joint destruction and in taking control of the inflammatory process.
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the following methods are used:
- medicamentous;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- diet therapy;
- surgical intervention.
Drug treatment, started in the early stages and carried out regularly and consistently, will help not only to relieve the pain in the joint, but to eliminate or stop progression of the majority of negative consequences of the disease (destruction of the joint and its deformation), and also significantly slow the progression of the disease and restore function the joint. And in especially successful cases - completely stop the disease. To relieve pain in joints and other symptoms, the usual painkillers (in the form of tablets) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (injected directly into the joint) are used. If non-steroid injections do not work, then steroids are prescribed, but a small course, as these drugs cause serious side effects.
Antirheumatic drugs used in this disease are characterized by a slow accumulation of therapeutic effect.
So, the results of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, will affect only after 1-3 months after the beginning of regular treatment of this disease.
The delayed effect of treatment is explained by the fact that the medicines used eliminate the very cause of autoimmune disorder.
If standard drugs do not help, monoclonal antibodies can be prescribed. This newest treatment for seropositive rheumatoid arthritis is that monoclonal antibodies block the release of chemicals that cause inflammation of the joint.
Physiotherapy, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, includes: laser therapy, magnetotherapy, massage, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory ointments, cryotherapy. All these procedures are performed to alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the absence of contraindications to their use.
Physiotherapy is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis in remission. With the help of physical exercises, gradually returns the joint to its lost function.
After a person is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, he should limit himself to certain foods. These include: dairy products, corn and rye, pork, citrus - it is believed that they contribute to inflammation of the joints. Oily and smoked food should be avoided.
Surgical intervention is used when a prolonged inflammatory process is started, when the joint is completely destroyed and does not perform more of its functions. Surgical methods of treatment of arthritis include:
- synovectomy - with this method the synovial membrane of the joint is excised in order to prevent complete destruction of the joint and the destruction of surrounding tissues;
- arthrodesis - fixation of the joint: two bones are fused and the size of the joint decreases;
- joint prosthetics (sometimes partial or complete) - damaged joints are replaced with artificial joints made of metal, plastic or ceramics.
The generally accepted principles of treating rheumatoid arthritis include three stages: inpatient treatment, at home, spa treatment.
The effectiveness of treatment is assessed by decreasing the period of morning joint stiffness, reducing the pain syndrome, and improving the ability to work.
A source: http://TvoyAybolit.ru/seropozitivnyj-i-seronegativnyj-revmatoidnyj-artrit-v-chem-otlichiya.html
Causes, symptoms of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, treatment and diet
There are two forms of rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatic disease with joint damage): seronegative and "classical" seropositive.
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis externally proceeds in almost the same way as seropositive, but with a lack of one of the main diagnostic criteria - the rheumatoid factor (RF) in the blood.This is the difference between this form of the disease.
Rheumatoid factor (abbreviated RF) refers to autoantibodies, that is, to the protective proteins produced by the body "against oneself."
In the presence of RF usually the course of the disease is more active with pronounced destruction of the joints.
That is, with seronegative arthritis joints, although they suffer, but to a slightly lesser degree: less severe forms of the disease and extra-articular lesions are noted.
But rheumatoid arthritis is always a serious diagnosis, because in the course of the disease, patients suffer from chronic pain and violations of the function of the affected joints, and in the future, patients may face disability and even complete loss of ability to self-service.
The prognosis for any form of rheumatoid arthritis depends on different criteria (activity, the severity of the process, the age of the patient), but the most important is the timeliness of full-fledged treatment. In time, the prescribed anti-rheumatic drugs can lead to a prolonged remission (asymptomatic course), prevent the death of the joint and the loss of its function.
Causes of the disease
The causes of seronegative arthritis are unclear. Scientists identify several predisposing factors that can lead to the formation of an ailment:
(if the table is not completely visible - turn it to the right)
Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis, including seronegative, usually begins with the so-called prodromal period (symptoms of general intoxication) lasting from several weeks to several months. The prodromal period is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- increased fatigue,
- weight loss,
- periodic pain in the joints,
- a decrease in appetite,
- increased sweating,
- body temperature 3, -3, degrees,
- anemia and the acceleration of the "ESR" in the general blood test.
Following these common signs, the symptoms of arthritis itself appear: the joints become swollen and start to hurt (small and / or large, one or several).
With seronegative arthritis, there is less frequent symptom such as morning stiffness, atypical extraarticular manifestations (pericarditis, pleurisy, skin vasculitis, rheumatoid nodules, etc.).These are the only clinical differences of the seronegative form.
Rheumatoid nodules with seronegative form appear less frequently than with seropositive
Diagnosis of pathology
Compared with the seropositive form, seronegative arthritis is more difficult to detect, especially in the initial stages, since there are no or weakly expressed basic diagnostic criteria (morning stiffness, rheumatoid nodules, RF in blood tests are not is detected). To diagnose the doctor can on the basis of long (6 weeks or more) lesions of joints (three or more joints, or when the joints of the fingers are affected, especially if there is symmetry) and according to the data of the x-ray research. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, the examination and treatment of patients should be performed by a rheumatologist.
Methods of treatment
Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is carried out according to the same rules as treatment of seropositive: non-drug therapy and medications.
Medicines
Four groups of drugs that are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Basic anti-inflammatory drugs (BPVP) - the basis of treatment. These are: methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, gold salts, azathioprine, penicillamine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, hydroxychloroquine.
- Synthetic and biological preparations - infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for relief of symptoms (pain and swelling), but they do not affect the activity of the disease, its course and outcome. The doctor selects NSAIDs individually, taking into account the patient's reaction to it. Often used diclofenac, celecoxib, paracetamol, nimesulide, meloxicam.
- Glucocorticoids (prednisolone, dexamethasone, metipred) allow to achieve a quick effect from the treatment and longer to maintain remission. They take courses for 4-6 weeks, appointed internally as injections and for intra-articular injection.
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, despite the lighter flow, has a very unpleasant property - tolerance (resistance) to medicines.
Therefore it is extremely important that the attending physician-rheumatologist constantly supervises the process of treatment, introducing the necessary corrections into it.
For example, seronegative arthritis often proves to be resistant to the action of DMARD, and it is necessary to designate combinations of two DMDS in combination with glucocorticoids and NSAIDs, or resort to less common in our country and costly biological drugs.
Treatment without drugs
Three non-drug therapies:
- Mode - teaching patients new stereotypes of movements - that is, those features of movements that will give less stress on the damaged joint. Limit strong physical activity. Avoid factors that can provoke an exacerbation of the disease (stress, infection). Refuse from smoking and alcohol.
- Physiotherapy exercises - special regular exercises for joints at least 2 times a week, which the instructor of exercise therapy or the attending physician shows and appoints.
- Diet - nutrition, enriched polyunsaturated fatty acids (vegetable oils, marine fish fatty varieties), with the mandatory inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit foods that are irritating (sharp, salty, smoked).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a vivid example of a disease, a long-term prognosis in which is largely determined by how early the diagnosis was established and treatment was prescribed.
That is why, in case of symptoms suspected of rheumatoid arthritis, a doctor's consultation is mandatory -not only a general practitioner (therapist), but also a rheumatologist who is more knowledgeable about atypical forms of arthritis (seronegative) and is well acquainted with the amount of research required for accurate diagnosis.
A source: http://SustavZdorov.ru/artrit/revmatoidnyj-seronegativnyj-216.html
Seronegative and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: differences, stages, treatment
Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis belongs to the category of chronic connective tissue diseases of the joints of the upper and lower extremities. The etiology of this ailment is not exactly clear.
According to the results of clinical observations, it is established that seropositive rheumatoid arthritis has an autoimmune origin.
For unknown reasons, the body begins to produce antibodies that destroy the cartilage and cause active growth of bone tissue.
Rheumatoid arthritis seropositive can develop for several months or stretch for decades. But irrespective of the speed of the course of the disease, pathological changes in the joints occur in the same way.
In the absence of qualified medical care, seropositive arthritis leads to complete immobility of the limb and disability.
In particularly severe cases, when the disease affects the hands and feet, a person can not perform elementary actions. Consider what it is, how the disease manifests and develops and its varieties.
Knowledge of the main signs of the disease will allow to begin its treatment at early stages with a positive prognosis.
Etiology of joint disease
Seropositive and rheumatoid arthritis at the initial stages of almost nothing show themselves. Light pain in the limbs can be taken for the consequences of sudden movements, bruises or fatigue. An easy malaise is written off for a cold or a bad ecology.
However, this ailment develops, destroying healthy tissue and complicating subsequent treatment. As a rule, patients begin to feel anxiety after 2-3 months, when it becomes clear that there is clearly something wrong with the joints.
Even at this stage the rheumatic syndrome can be stopped, stopping the progression of the disease.
Identify the disease can be at the very beginning with a blood test. It shows the presence of a rheumatoid factor in the serum.
But in most cases, patients turn to medical care when seropositive rheumatoid polyarthritis has already developed to stage 2, and limb mobility is severely limited.
Some patients hold out that pathological processes become irreversible, and medicine is powerless to do anything.
It is more difficult to identify seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. Its main difference from the seropositive form is that when a blood test is performed, there are no autoimmune antibodies, the presence of which indicates the development of the disease.
Seronegative rheumatoid polyarthritis affects the joints asymmetrically. Symptoms of the ailment can appear randomly on the arms and legs. Similar symptoms can be mistaken for gout or normal dislocation.
This greatly complicates the diagnosis and prediction.
Seronegative arthritis is more difficult to treat because of its unpredictability. Manifestations of the disease are less vivid and painful.
Already in the 2 stages of the disease, significant body temperature changes in the range 2 - 3 ° C are observed.
In this case, there are no characteristic manifestations of arthritis (osteophytes, swelling and deformity of the joints).
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
An unequivocal answer to the question of the exact cause of the onset of a disease modern medicine can not give. However, according to the results of clinical observations, a group of factors contributing to its development was identified.
Both seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis can occur for the following reasons:
- Genetic factor. It is established that the disease is inherited. If they suffer from two generations, then the likelihood that the tendency to arthritis is laid down on the gene level is high.
- Injuries and injuries of limbs and joints. Depending on the degree of damage to cartilage and bone tissue, the disease can begin immediately or decades later.
- Violation of the hormonal background in the body. A similar pathology occurs with thyroid and liver diseases, age-related changes associated with menopause.
- Incorrect food. The use of foods with a high content of purines causes an increase in the concentration of uric acid in the body. Its salts have a devastating effect on the joints.
- Strong and frequent hypothermia. With hypothermia, blood supply and metabolism in the limbs are weakened, which causes pathological changes.
Scientists do not rule out the theory that the defeat of rheumatoid arthritis can be the result of incorrect treatment of an infectious disease or its complication.
Symptoms of the disease
The initial manifestations of the disease can easily be mistaken for fatigue after work or the body's reaction to a prolonged stay in a stationary position.
Common primary symptoms for all forms of rheumatoid arthritis are the following:
- Stiffness in the limbs. It lasts 1-2 hours after waking up, after which it goes to waste.
- The appearance of causeless weakness, accompanied by a slight increase in temperature.
- Decreased appetite. This leads to weight loss and unhealthy pallor.
- The onset of excessive sweating. It arises even in a state of rest at a low temperature of air.
Such signs of the disease, like edema of soft tissues around the joints, may not manifest. This leads to the fact that the seronegative form of arthritis is detected already in the late stages, when it is almost impossible to cure.
Stages of the disease development
Progression of the disease can be arbitrarily divided into several stages, since it is rather difficult to determine the correctly accurate boundary between them.
There is such a classification of stages of the disease:
- The initial. The patient has a slight and painless swelling of the joints on the legs and hands. There is a limitation of mobility in the joints after the limbs stay in a static position. This stage is not characterized by pathology of the internal organs, so the patient does not complain about his health.
- The second stage. At this stage, the cartilage tissue narrows and deforms. When carrying out the radiography, this can be clearly seen in the picture. Swelling of the soft tissues is clearly visible and is accompanied by a fairly strong pain syndrome.
- The unfolded stage. Disturbance of the structure of the joints causes inflammation of their membranes. The fingers swell and lose their mobility, the hands tend to sideways. On the feet there is flat feet, which creates tangible difficulties in walking and causes rapid fatigue. There is a serious risk of dislocation during physical work.
- Late stage. During this period, the synovial fluid and the cartilaginous tissue completely disappear. The joint invades the fibrous connective tissue, bone splicing occurs. The limb loses mobility.
In the case of intensive treatment of 2 or more joints of NSAIDs, extensive lesions of internal organs are observed as a side effect from the use of potent drugs.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
To accurately determine from what, how and how to treat the patient, his complex examination is conducted. It begins with the patient's interview and examination. At this stage, the attending physician examines the visual signs of the disease, clarifies the history of its course, possible causes and underlying symptoms.
For a more accurate diagnosis, X-ray examinations or magnetic resonance imaging are prescribed. The blood and synovial fluid are taken for analysis. To clarify the data on the presence or absence of malignant lesions, samples of the affected tissue are sent for histology.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment of the disease is aimed at stopping the pathological processes of joint deformation and maintaining their mobility. The impact on the disease is carried out in several ways at once in order to achieve the desired result.
The basis of treatment is drug therapy. First of all, drugs are prescribed to relieve the pain syndrome and inflammation from the affected joint. The appointment is made by a specialist, taking medication is carried out under the supervision of medical personnel.
If the desired effect can not be achieved with their help, the patient is recommended to take corticosteroids. Drugs of this group belong to the hormonal group, they are good against inflammation.
For the purpose of complex influence on the center of inflammation, drugs are prescribed in the form of:
- tablets;
- gels;
- ointments;
- solutions for injection.
To prevent the appearance of immobility of the joints, the patient is recommended to do gymnastics. Exercises help improve blood circulation and metabolism.
As a rule, the exercises are simple and do not take much time. They are included in the performance of circular movements of limbs, flexion and extension without load.
Physical exercise is supplemented by physiotherapy procedures. They contribute to:
- removal of pain syndrome;
- slowing down the processes of joint destruction;
- improve the supply of tissues with nutrients;
- destroy stagnant phenomena.
A good therapeutic effect is provided by: electrophoresis, acupuncture, magnetic field and mud baths. The patient needs to follow a diet.
A source: https://OrtoCure.ru/kosti-i-sustavy/artrit/seropozitivnyj-revmatoidnyj.html
All about seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: symptoms and effective treatment
The disease, known as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, is a form of arthritis that has characteristic features that facilitate diagnosis. The disease affects the large joints of the hands and feet, and also extends to the internal organs of man and his vessels.
What it is?
Seronegative form is considered the most common form of arthritis, of all its species the fifth part is seronegative.
The main difference between it and others is the absence in the blood of a patient of a rheumatoid factor, which is inherently autoantibodies, which are produced in the shell of the affected joint. There are significant differences in the course of the disease, as well as in its manifestations.
The condition of the patient during an exacerbation is not severe, and the prognosis as a result of the treatment is usually favorable, which can not be said about other forms of arthritis.
Symptoms of pathology
Typically, the disease first affects one joint, after which the inflammation spreads to the wrist joints, quickly destroys them and limits mobility. Then the destructive changes extend to the hip, knee and elbow joints.
A characteristic difference in which it is possible to determine the nature of the lesion is an increase in the size of the lymph nodes, and a lesion of the muscular tissue, resulting in its atrophy.
All changes in the patient's condition since the first days of the disease are accompanied by severe pain in the joint, regardless of whether there are other violations at that time.
Clinical manifestations of the disease with the development of the inflammatory process are different and vary as the pathology progresses. The initial stage of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- acute and rapid development;
- signs of fever;
- chills;
- inflammation with enlarged lymph nodes;
- sharp weight loss;
- atrophic changes in muscles;
- anemia.
No one can say with absolute certainty how fast the development of the disease will occur, however, the entire period in the body will change.
Starting with a small lesion in the period of about six months, the inflammatory process also captures the rest of the joints. In addition to the main symptoms, the development of the disease has a negative impact on other organs.
Arthritis suffers from heart, spleen and lungs, liver, eyesight. The metabolism may be disturbed, there may be changes in the vascular system and in the connective tissue.
Diagnostics
In identifying the seronegative form of arthritis, radiology equipment is used, with the help of which it is possible to detect even insignificant and insignificant disorders in the joints, especially in the feet, since this disease causes not erosive changes, but ankylosing, in which the overgrowth of their cavity.
During radiography, asymmetry of the affected joints, signs of osteoporosis, and inadequate minor damage to small arms joints with significant wrist deformities joints.
In addition to X-rays, studies of blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound are used to diagnose this form of arthritis.
In the case of the seronegative form, the tests will confirm the presence of inflammation in the body, a high level of ESR and a slight increase in leukocytes.
With the help of MRI and ultrasound, the initial diagnosis is confirmed, since with the help of this equipment can more thoroughly consider and determine the magnitude of the spread of inflammatory process.
Is it possible to cure
Seronegative form of rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to treat, despite the fact that to eliminate this pathology the most up-to-date preparations in the form of immunosuppresants, as well as anti-inflammatory and anesthetic medicinal facilities.
The patient can struggle with this disease for the rest of his life, and the development of the inflammatory process can be so to slow down and even to stop, that the patients will feel well for a decade and a habitual full-fledged Lifestyle.
It is important that patients at the first signs of the disease go to the doctor and subsequently follow all of his recommendations. In some cases, the therapy does not bring the expected result, the doctor has to resort to surgical care.
During the operation, the patient is removed all the damaged parts of the joint, after which they are replaced by artificial ones.
After the operation, the patient should carefully monitor the slightest deviations in his health, exercise and exercise proper nutrition.
Differences between seronegative and seropositive arthritis
The main difference between seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and the seropositive form is the absence of a rheumadoid factor in the blood, which is one of the markers of this disease.
Seronegative arthritis begins more sharply, its symptoms are more pronounced, the course inflammatory process is more easily tolerated by patients, and the prognosis as a result of the treatment more favorable.
The seronegative form is manifested by the lesion of only one joint, and if the inflammatory process develops simultaneously in several, then, as a rule, they do not settle symmetrically.
Defeat often develops in large joints, legs, hands, wrists and in the most rare cases, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints on the fingers.
The disease occurs in a lighter form with no morning stiffness in the joints, deformation of the fingers and joints, and is much less expressed than in the case of seropositive arthritis.
Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
In the treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, drugs and methods of non-drug therapy are used.
The primary task pursued by doctors in relation to this disease is the achievement of pharmacological control over pathological process, reducing the frequency of exacerbations of the disease, improving the quality of life of patients, prevention against early disability and death.
However, the patient should remember that the inflammatory process in his body, although suspended by the efforts of physicians, but at any time in the creation of favorable conditions for this, is capable of renew.
Seronegative form of arthritis with its lighter flow possesses one unfavorable quality - resistance against medications.
Therefore, constant monitoring of the doctor for the passage of treatment is extremely important, in order to immediately correct it.
Very often the disease manifests resistance against the therapeutic effect of basic anti-inflammatory drugs, in such cases, the physician must combine two similar drug in combination with glucocorticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or resort to the least popular in our country and quite high in price biological means.
Preparations
In the treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, four main groups of medications are used, namely:
- BMD or basic anti-inflammatory drugs, which are the main in the conduct of therapy. Most often used are such as Sulfasalazine, Azathioprine, Penicillamide, Cyclosporine, Hydroxychloroquine, Cyclophosphamide, gold salts. The drug in the form of Leflunomide, is the latest generation of immunosuppressant, the treatment is comfortable, since it does not require the appointment of a second medication. The disadvantages include a decrease in immunity from its effects and the risk of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Biological and synthetic agents in the form of Infliximab, Rituximab, Tocilizumab.
- NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs designed to eliminate pain symptoms but are not able to influence the active course of the disease and its termination. They are selected taking into account individual indices in the form of Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Paracetamol, Nimesulide, Meloxicam.
- Glucocorticoid drugs in the form of Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Metipreda, which allow you to quickly get relief and achieve a long period of remission.
In view of the fact that this form of arthritis is a chronic disease and its development is accompanied by a rather intense pain caused by occurring changes in the joints state, it is necessary to take medicinal nonsteroid preparations for a long time, often months. Since long-term use of such drugs, and especially with the content of hormones, increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal bleeding, an increasing number of specialists are inclined to use selective NSAIDs, namely such a drug as Aertal.
With a strong exacerbation of the disease, ketoprofen, which is able to block enzymes that take part in the synthesis of prostanoids and is responsible for protecting the digestive tract, has proved its effectiveness most.
One can not fail to mention a preparation such as Dexalgin, which is one of the forms of Ketoprofen with increasing analgesic effects, but without increasing the negative effect on the digestive system.
For treatment, Methotrexate, as well as artificially synthesized antibodies, is most often used.
Also, in the case of an exacerbation of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, MabThera, a drug in the form of injections, is used, which makes it possible for two procedures to achieve a stable remission for several years.
Unfortunately, such treatment is very expensive and is more often done through a quota.
Treatment with Methotrexate
Since the quota has to wait, the combination of Methotrexate with Metipred in the treatment of seronegative arthritis is also considered quite effective.
With the help of this method, it is possible in a short time to suppress the development of inflammation and get rid of pain and stiffness during movement.
Thanks to the use of folic acid, it is possible to save the patient from many negative manifestations in the form of side effects.
At the same time, the use of a drug such as methotrexate in case of illiterate use can cause a serious side effect. Therefore, the doctor selects the minimum dose of the drug and its compatibility with other medicines.
The course of treatment of methotrexate takes quite a long time, it is often treated to have a lifetime. With this attitude towards the disease, one can expect that the inflammatory process will be stopped, and all the symptoms of the disease will stop.
The drug is not used in pregnancy, serious infections, chronic diseases, with malignant neoplasms, in conjunction with alcohol.
Treatment in hospital
Immediately after revealing the pathological situation, in order to establish an accurate diagnosis, the patient is recommended to stay in the hospital. During the stay in the hospital walls, the necessary studies will be carried out and the necessary treatment will be prescribed.
With properly selected preparations, the patient's condition improves within two weeks, and if this does not happen, then drugs are replaced with others.
In the case of a positive result and improvement in the patient's condition, treatment is continued at home under the constant supervision of the attending physician.
Treatment with folk remedies
In case of such a disease, the patient must remember that folk remedies in the treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis will not replace pharmacies drugs, so I use medicines inside, and folk recipes are used in the manufacture of drugs used topically in the form of ointments and rubbing. For this purpose, kidneys and lilac flowers are used, of which infusion is made. It will also benefit turpentine, honey, propolis, mummies, gelatin, salt, saber, burdock, dandelion, trays, pine needles and much more.
Physiotherapy
Methods of physiotherapy are used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, with their help you can greatly alleviate the condition of the patient and accelerate the end of periods of exacerbation.
In this capacity, laser therapy, cryotherapy, magnetotherapy, acupuncture are used. They are allowed to be carried out in periods not accompanied by exacerbations with severe pain.
In periods of remission, a positive effect can be achieved by using exercise therapy.
Exercises intended for patients with arthritis are very light, they should not cause overstrain of joints, but only to prevent the development of immobility in them. Various rotational movements are provided for fingers and fists, skating a small ball in the palms of the hands, swinging legs and hands.
Even with a favorable course of the disease and a long period of remission, patients should be under control of the doctor and annually undergo a planned examination, necessary to have an idea of the development disease.
A source: https://newsustav.ru/artrit/ceronegativnyj-revmatoidnyj.html
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: what is it and how to treat it
Seronegative is called arthritis, in which there are no specific antibodies in the blood test (the so-called rheumatoid factor). There is no single reason why this disease occurs.
It is assumed that the main role is played by heredity, and the disease appears in genetically inclined people after exposure to a provoking factor.
These factors include: hypothermia, infectious diseases, a malfunction in the immune system.
The difference from seropositive
As already mentioned, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis differs from seropositive in that there is no rheumatoid factor in the blood.
It is on this difference that differential diagnostics of two types of rheumatoid arthritis is based.
In addition to this main difference, there are also additional, based on the clinical course.
However, there may be controversial cases - when on clinical manifestations it seems that this is classic seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, and the rheumatoid factor in the blood does not find. Then irrespective of the clinic, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Clinically, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis will manifest itself in different ways, depending on the stage of the process:
- At an early stage (and sometimes very early), manifestations will be functional, not organic. May disturb joint pain, swelling, swelling of surrounding soft tissues. Specific symptom for seropositive and seronegative arthritis is morning stiffness, but with seronegative arthritis it is often less pronounced. In addition, seronegative arthritis can begin with an increase in body temperature, inflammation of the nearest lymph nodes, weakness, rapid fatigue.
- The unfolded stage is characterized by the appearance of irreversible changes in the form of deformations.
- The late stage is manifested by the development of ankylosis. This is the fusion of the articular ends of the bones that form the joint. First, ankylosis is fibrous in nature, then the adhesion occurs due to bone tissue. All this leads to complete immobility of the joint.
To diagnose seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, both general clinical and specific methods are used.
In the expanded analysis of blood, an increased level of leukocytes in the form of leukocytosis and an increased rate of erythrocyte sedimentation are often detected.
In biochemical analysis, an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) is determined.
These changes are nonspecific and indicate only the presence of an inflammatory reaction in the body.
Be sure to conduct a test to identify rheumatoid factor, in order to distinguish from the seropositive variant. With seronegative arthritis, the test will be negative. Assign an analysis to identify Anti-CCPs - this indicator is specific and will be positive regardless of the variant of the disease.
Among the instrumental methods, X-ray examination is used. Typical changes will appear, starting with the unfolded stage.
What joints are susceptible
In contrast to seropositive arthritis, in the seronegative variant, large joints are usually affected.
Most often these are knees, but there may be ulnar and ankle joints.
The lesion occurs first in the form of monoarthritis, and then spreads to other zones, and polyarthritis appears.
Stages of development
Depending on the duration of the disease, there are:
- early stage (including very early) - if the disease lasts up to 12 months;
- deployed - up to 2 years;
- late - if the duration of the disease exceeds 2 years.
Methods of treatment and complications
Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis should be comprehensive, and include not only symptomatic, but also basic therapy:
- Symptomatic treatment. These are all painkillers with an additional anti-inflammatory effect. It is better to use external application, in the form of ointments and gels. For example, ointment "Diclofenac" or gel "Nimid". In the case of severe pain syndrome, it is possible to use drugs with a systemic effect (tablets and injections). For example, "Ibuprofen "Indomethacin" or ampoules "Movalis". However, do not forget that all these drugs only temporarily relieve the symptom, and the disease can be cured only with the use of basic therapy.
- The basic anti-inflammatory drugs include: "Methotrexate "Sulfasalazine "Leflunomide "Hydroxychloroquine" and glucocorticoids of different forms of administration. There are various combinations of these drugs, which are selected individually, depending on the patient's age, concomitant pathology and the severity of the course of the disease. Usually, in the first stage, a combination of "Methotrexate" and "Prednisolone" is prescribed, and the scheme is subsequently adjusted.
- New generation drugs include biological agents, such as monoclonal antibodies and tumor necrosis factor blockers. This is an effective, however, expensive treatment. To this group belong "Humira" and "Actemra."
Among complications caused by means of treatment, often agranulocytosis, anemia due to a deficiency of folic acid, a violation of the liver and kidneys. To specific complications of the disease include osteoporosis, amyloidosis of the kidneys, damage to the cardiovascular system, a violation of the liver.
Prophylaxis and prognosis
Primary prevention consists in the exclusion of provoking factors, for example, hypothermia and infectious diseases. Secondary prevention of complications and disability includes timely diagnosis of the disease, as early as possible and the adequacy of therapy.
The prognosis directly depends on the stage at which the therapy was started.
If the basic treatment is adequate, and was prescribed at an early stage, then the prognosis is relatively favorable.
In those cases when the process is irreversible and organic changes have taken place, the forecast is unfavorable, and the disease leads to disability.
A source: https://osteosos.ru/artrit/seronegativnyj-revmatoidnyj-1046/