Archive for March 28th, 2011

DISORDERS THAT CAN BE CONFUSED WITH OR MIMIC RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Monday, March 28th, 2011
What are some of the other diseases that can mimic RA?
Any disease that causes the joints to become red and hot can be mistaken for RA. Some of these conditions include Lyme disease, bacterial blood infection in the joint, infection with parvovirus, German measles, sometimes AIDS, hepatitis B, rarely crystal formation in the joints as occurs with gout, and palindromic joint disease.
What is palindromic rheumatism?
Palindromic rheumatism is arthritis that occurs in cycles. The disease goes away completely between attacks. An episode can last a few hours or a few days. The disease is usually treated with a disease-modifying drug like sulfasalazine or gold. Other anti-inflammatory agents may be used as well.
Will my RA go into remission?
It certainly can go into remission over time after the diagnosis is made. Doctors look for specific criteria to determine if a patient’s RA is in remission. At least five of the following criteria must be present before the doctor can say that the disease is in remission.
1.  The duration of morning stiffness must be less than 15 minutes.
2.  Absence of fatigue.
3.  Absence of joint pain.
4.  Absence of joint tenderness upon movement.
5.  Absence of swelling in joints and tendons.
6.  Sedimentation rate must be less than 30 in women and less than 20 in men.
How do I get into remission?
This can happen by itself or as a result of therapy.
*17/141/5*

DISORDERS THAT CAN BE CONFUSED WITH OR MIMIC RHEUMATOID ARTHRITISWhat are some of the other diseases that can mimic RA?Any disease that causes the joints to become red and hot can be mistaken for RA. Some of these conditions include Lyme disease, bacterial blood infection in the joint, infection with parvovirus, German measles, sometimes AIDS, hepatitis B, rarely crystal formation in the joints as occurs with gout, and palindromic joint disease.
What is palindromic rheumatism?Palindromic rheumatism is arthritis that occurs in cycles. The disease goes away completely between attacks. An episode can last a few hours or a few days. The disease is usually treated with a disease-modifying drug like sulfasalazine or gold. Other anti-inflammatory agents may be used as well.
Will my RA go into remission?It certainly can go into remission over time after the diagnosis is made. Doctors look for specific criteria to determine if a patient’s RA is in remission. At least five of the following criteria must be present before the doctor can say that the disease is in remission.1.  The duration of morning stiffness must be less than 15 minutes.2.  Absence of fatigue.3.  Absence of joint pain.4.  Absence of joint tenderness upon movement.5.  Absence of swelling in joints and tendons.6.  Sedimentation rate must be less than 30 in women and less than 20 in men.
How do I get into remission?This can happen by itself or as a result of therapy.*17/141/5*

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