Rheumatoid arthritis: An early diagnosis prevents damage
"I can often diagnose someone with rheumatoid arthritis from a handshake because of the characteristic way the hands tends to swell," explains
Sheldon Solomon, MD, Virtua rheumatologist. "Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a disease that not only cripples, it also sets off an excessive autoimmune reaction throughout the body." In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body itself, causing white cells to proliferate and inflammation to result.
A serious disorder outside and inside
Catch RA fast and early
Many medications to the rescue
The new RA wonder drugs
More information
A serious disorder outside and inside
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the various joints of the body, especially in the hands, feet, hips and knees. The inflammation is usually symmetrical, meaning it occurs on both sides of the body. Symptoms include consistent, unexplained pain or stiffness.
"Inflamed, painful and stiff joints are only part of the RA picture," says Richard Hymowitz, MD, Virtua rheumatologist. "Deep inside the body, serious inflammatory changes are also occurring. Blood vessels can become inflamed causing poor blood circulation to organs such as the skin, heart, lungs and nervous system, making for a potentially very sick individual."
The worst case scenario for an RA patient is ending up confined to a wheel chair, unable to perform even the simplest tasks like holding a glass or a pen, let alone performing the more private functions of life.
Catch RA fast and early
The disease does much of its damage in its first year or two. So, it's important for individuals to get an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Women in their 30s and 40s tend to develop rheumatoid arthritis most frequently. Men can also develop the disease, as can infants and octogenarians.
Many medications to the rescue
Often, initial treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Vioxx. Steroid shots and prednisone are helpful for temporary short-term pain relief. Methotrexate, a form of chemotherapy, can also slow the disease process, helping to alleviate symptoms in 70% of patients.
The new RA wonder drugs
Biologics or monoclonal antibodies are a new, highly effective class of medications now fighting RA. Enbrel (Etanercept) and Remicade work by inhibiting an inflammatory process initiated by an excess amount of a natural chemical called tumor necrosis factor or TNF. Kimeret, another biologic, inhibits the chemical iL1, which also causes inflammation. Coming soon is the "star wars" of RA drugs called D2E7, a monoclonal antibody to TNF that will only have to be given twice a month.
More information
For information on RA education, exercise therapy and support groups or to make an appointment with a Virtua rheumatologist or family physician, call 1-888-Virtua-3.