Rheumatology (Rheumatoid Arthritis / Sjogren's Syndrome)
Rheumatoid Arthritis | Sjögren's Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Known as the “younger” arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes between the ages of 35 and 50. What’s more, it can be a lifelong disease, affecting many different parts of the body often at the same time. Rheumatoid arthritis results in inflammation of the lining of the joints. This puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, which can produce chemicals that can ruin the joint surface. This, in turn, can cause deformities. This form of arthritis also affects connective tissues that support internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is most often found in joints, such as feet, elbows, wrists and shoulders, and generally affects both sides of a joint (i.e. both wrists) simultaneously. There is swelling, pain and stiffness even when the joint isn’t in use. Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Most patients also have times without discomfort. However, this does not mean they are ‘cured,’ and treatment should continue.
Good Samaritan Hospital features rheumatology experts from Johns Hopkins who are specially trained and equipped to diagnose and treat diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. Arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis are just some of the joint diseases that intervene in the mobility, stability and happiness of patients. Although many of these diseases are difficult to cure, Good Samaritan rheumatologists devote their expertise to researching causes and potential treatments.
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease, affects 2.1 million Americans. It is an inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. Currently, the cause of the disease is unknown. It can develop in any joint, and most commonly affects the fingers, hands, and wrists. This disease may lead to long-term damage and disability.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning and when sitting for long periods of time
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Increasingly limited ability to perform daily activities, like combing hair, which may indicate damage to ligaments, bones, or cartilage.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor may suggest some of the various treatment options available to our patients:
Medications:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Examples of these medications include ibuprofen, aspirin, and indomethacin.
- Analgesic Drugs are used to relieve pain rather than decrease inflammation. Examples of these medications include propoxyphene and morphine.
- Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) have become the standard for treating rheumatoid arthritis. DMARDs, which are used with NSAIDs to slow joint destruction caused by rheumatoid arthritis over time, have created a more effective treatment for patients. This form of combination drug therapy is frequently used by doctors as studies develop.
Surgery:
- Synovectomy: This form of surgery is used to slow down or prevent damage to two joints that may have been affected more than others. By removing the diseased synovium or lining of the joint, the amount of inflammatory tissue in the patient may be reduced.
- Joint Replacement Surgery or Anthroplasty: Doctors use this procedure to reconstruct or replace damaged joints. Joint replacement surgery involves removal of the joint, resurfacing and relining the ends of the bones, and replacing the joint with a manmade component. This surgery has been successfully used to increase quality of life for people who are over 50, have serious disease progression, or who may be in a wheelchair. A new joint typically will last between 20 to 30 years.
- Arthrodesis or fusion: Through this procedure, two joints are fused together to increase stability and decrease pain in areas such as the ankles, fingers, and spine.
Although rheumatoid arthritis can be a serious disease, our treatment options help reduce its severity and longevity in every individual. We work to assist patients in leading lives with more mobility, activity, and tolerance.
Treatment of this disease involves many different aspects of the patient's life, from diet and exercise to working conditions. Surgery may be necessary when patients lose function in their joint.
At Good Samaritan Hospital, we work with a multidisciplinary team to provide the best, individual treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. For a physician referral, call 443-444-4100 today.
top of page
Back to About Arthritis
Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's white blood cells attack its moisture-producing glands. The two most common symptoms of Sjögren's are dry mouth and dry eye.
This condition occurs in two forms. Primary Sjögren's syndrome is when dry mouth occurs that is not associated with another autoimmune disorder. Secondary Sjögren's syndrome is when dry mouth and dry eye occurrences are associated with an underlying autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, erythematosus or scleroderma.
Sjögren's syndrome primarily affects females between the ages of 30 and 60 and the condition frequently begins with the start of menopause. Men also are diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, although women are nine times more likely to be diagnosed. It is estimated that as many as four million Americans are affected by this condition.
Symptoms
Although the two most common symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are dry mouth and dry eye, other symptoms may occur. These symptoms include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, dry and itchy skin, gastroesophageal reflux, peripheral neuropathy, and vaginal dryness as well as others.
Sjögren's may affect other organs, such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
Treatment
There is no known cure for Sjögren's syndrome at this time. Preliminary research does suggest that Sjögren's syndrome is associated with the development of lymphoma. Treatment for this condition is typically focused on controlling the symptoms, preventing organ involvement and helping patients improve their quality of life. Because the symptoms and their severity may vary depending on the parts of the body involved, treatment itself varies from patient to patient and may include a variety of approaches.
Prevention
As there is no known cure for Sjögren's syndrome, there are no preventive measures recommended by the medical community. The best approach to controlling this condition is to speak with your physician as soon as any of the symptoms become prevalent.
For information and medical treatment for Sjögren's syndrome, contact Alan Baer, M.D., chief of rheumatology at Good Samaritan Hospital and a specialist with experience in using revolutionary therapies for treating this condition.
top of page
Back to About Arthritis
|
