Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is a pathological condition characterized by damage to large joints. As the disease progresses, the joints of the feet and small joints of the hands may be affected. A distinctive feature of this form of arthritis is the absence of RF factor (rheumatoid factor) in the blood serum.
Features of the disease
In the international classification of diseases, seronegative rheumatic arthritis is listed, code M06.0. Despite the fact that it is diagnosed in approximately 20% of people suffering from similar joint pathologies, the exact reasons for the triggering of inflammatory damage to large and small joints have not yet been identified. In fact, when it comes to seronegative rheumatic joint disease, it is extremely difficult to figure out what it is. Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is more difficult to diagnose.
However, many experts indicate that such a manifestation of the disease as rheumatoid factor, in some patients suffering from seronegative rheumatism, is detected several years after the onset of the pathological process and the development of clinical manifestations of the disease.
Since the seronegative variant of the disease is not complicated by the presence of rheumatoid factor, the process of destruction of the articular surfaces in this case is more extended in time.
However, this type of arthritis cannot be considered a benign process, since it gradually leads to a change in the composition of the joint fluid, a decrease in density and destruction of cartilage, the formation of osteoporosis, i.e. destruction of bones adjacent to the affected joint.
Diagnostic methods
The diagnosis is made after the patient undergoes a series of laboratory and instrumental studies. A complete blood test will show a slight increase in ESR, white blood cells and C-reactive protein. The level of lgA in the blood serum will be high.
The key method in diagnosis is x-ray. It will show:
- thinning of bone tissue;
- splicing of connecting slots;
- development of ankylosing process;
- fragility of bone tissue.
Additionally, the following studies are prescribed:
- MRI;
- CT;
- arthroscopy;
- puncture.
X-ray equipment is used to detect seronegative arthritis
Causes
The causes of seronegative polyarthritis have not yet been fully established. The studies carried out made it possible to identify possible factors that could contribute to the appearance of this pathological condition. Considering that this disease rarely develops in children, this type of rheumatism may be the result of natural aging processes.
The genetic factor also plays a role. In people who have a clear hereditary predisposition to this disease, minor manifestations of this pathological process are often detected as early as 27-35 years of age. This disease is associated with infection by pathogenic organisms such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. Factors contributing to the development of pathology include:
- long history of smoking,
- inhalation of coal dust,
- suffered injuries,
- hypothermia,
- endocrine diseases,
- obesity,
- poor nutrition,
- physical inactivity,
- dysfunction of the immune system.
Severe stress and physical overload can contribute to the appearance of pronounced signs of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
Main differences from seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed when patients do not have specific autoantibodies in their blood. Thus, there are no laboratory manifestations of the triggering of an autoimmune reaction that destroys the articular surfaces. This distinguishes seropositive rheumatoid arthritis from the less common seronegative one, since in this case the rheumatoid factor is detected in the blood and intra-articular fluid.
The seronegative version of the disease also differs in that it can become seropositive after several years.
This is the main difference between seropositive arthritis, since with it regression is impossible. These types of arthritis have different clinical manifestations, rates of progression of symptoms, etc.
Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
This disorder requires complex therapy. Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in most cases is carried out using conservative methods. This disease is incurable, but if you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, it is possible to achieve stable and long-term remission. Surgical treatment of this pathological condition is used only in late stages in order to improve the motor ability of the affected joints. Prosthetics of the affected joints may be performed.
Therapy methods
Considering that the seronegative variant in most cases occurs in a systemic form and is accompanied by frequent periods of exacerbations, the attending physician must constantly adjust the drug treatment regimen for seronegative arthritis and the dosage of basic and additional drugs in order to stabilize the patient’s condition.
During the period of exacerbation, some means of physiotherapy can be used to eliminate severe symptoms.
After the end of the acute phase of development of the pathological process, treatment is supplemented with special gymnastics, which allows you to restore mobility to the joints.
Treatment with drugs
Many people believe that seronegative arthritis can be cured completely, but this is not possible. However, when using modern drugs to treat such a disorder and following all the instructions of the attending physician, it is often possible to suppress the pathological process and achieve long-term remission. Even if the patient has been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, with an integrated approach and treatment with medications, it is possible to suppress the inflammatory process. Basic drugs include immunosuppressants, including:
- Cyclosporine.
- Consupren.
- Cyclorin.
- Leflunomide.
In addition, patients require long-term treatment with Methotrexate or another drug belonging to the class of antimetabolic drugs. Drug therapy is supplemented with Sulfasalazine or analogues of this drug. This is a powerful anti-inflammatory, so it allows you to quickly normalize the condition of the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and vitamin complexes are introduced into the treatment regimen.
Therapeutic gymnastics exercise therapy
During the recovery period, therapeutic exercises are prescribed, and the doctor selects exercises. Performing the exercises does not require much effort. As part of exercise therapy, circular movements are made with the hands and fingers; the patient must roll a round object in his palms and move his limbs. Even if the outcome of the disease is favorable, medical monitoring is indicated; annual examination plays an important role.
Exercise options
Disease prognosis
If inflammation, sprains, crunching, clicking and swelling of joint tissues appear in representatives of the older age group, you should immediately contact a specialist for consultation and treatment. This disease poses a danger to human health and leads to disability if timely measures are not taken to stop the pathological process or the patient does not comply with the doctor’s recommendations.
Non-erosive seronegative arthritis has a more favorable prognosis than seropositive arthritis.
The prognosis of this dangerous disease depends on many factors, including how long remission lasts, how long periods of exacerbation last, the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, age, etc. With rapid progression of the disease and the appearance of extra-articular symptoms in approximately 10-15% of cases premature death occurs.
Diet
Seronegative arthritis requires diet. All foods that cause allergic reactions should be excluded from the diet. It is undesirable to use:
- citrus,
- potato,
- pepper,
- eggplants,
- tomatoes,
- cereals,
- whole milk.
It is recommended to replace fatty meats with permitted fermented milk and vegetable products. Nutrition should be balanced. The following can be included in dietary dishes:
- legumes,
- low-fat fish varieties,
- vegetable oils,
- eggs,
- nuts,
- pears and apples,
- non-acidic berries
- cabbage,
- carrot,
- zucchini,
- pumpkin
Any semi-finished products, ready-made preserves, chocolate, carbonated drinks, fast food, hot and salty spices and sauces should be completely excluded from the diet.
Nutrition
Maintaining a diet plays an important role in the treatment of arthritis; patients should give up fatty, unhealthy foods. The diet should be balanced, the calorie content of the daily diet should be low. The menu should include fruits, vegetables, nuts, ginger, and pineapple. You should drink two liters of water daily.
The patient needs to maintain the body's water balance
Preventive measures
An early start in following the rules of a healthy lifestyle is the right step to prevent the development of any diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A balanced diet and special exercises in adolescents reduce the risk of developing juvenile polyarthritis.
In older people, such measures can prevent the occurrence of such a disorder as seronegative arthritis. It is advisable for all people over 30 years old to take massage courses. Preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of developing seronegative arthritis also include timely treatment of foci of chronic infection.
Therapy and procedures
Physiotherapeutic therapy is recommended for all diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The effect of physiotherapeutic techniques is aimed at alleviating pathological symptoms, they help improve the patient’s condition and speed up recovery. The doctor chooses therapy after examination; acupuncture, magnetic therapy, cryotherapy, electrophoresis, laser therapy, mud baths and wraps are most often prescribed. Such treatment methods are carried out after the end of the acute period.
Physiotherapy for arthritis helps improve the patient's condition
