CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15/CDRT.iso/dp/0192/01922.txt

Text File | 1994-01-17 | 6KB | 96 lines

$Unique_ID{BRK01922}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Connective Tissue Disease:  Causes and Treatment}
$Subject{Connective Tissue tissues Disease diseases cause Causes caused treat
Treatment arthritis treatments collagen ligament ligaments cartilage muscle
muscles bone bones inflame inflammation auto immune response responses body
bodies defense defenses systemic lupus erythematous scleroderma polymyositis
dermatomyositis polymyalgia rheumatica temporal Sjogren syndrome rheumatoid RA
female females woman women man men male males symptom symptoms swell swollen
swelling pain painful joint joints hand hands foot feet red redden Morning
stiff stiffness fatigue symmetrical lung lungs eye eyes heart antibody
antibodies factor factors x-ray X-rays damage damages chronic NSAIDs
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug drugs corticosteroid corticosteroids
medicate medication medications prescription prescriptions gold compound
penicillamine immunosuppressive methotrexate nutrition nutritional
physiotherapy exercise exercises surgery surgeries surgical deformity
deformities autoimmune}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Finger*0001701.scf
Exercise has Overall Benefits*0003209.scf
Exercise Helps Strength and Flexibility*0003204.scf
Progressive Levels of Arthritis*0005601.scf
Rheumatoid Arthritis*0001703.scf
Typical Rheumatoid Hand Deformities*0005602.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Connective Tissue Disease:  Causes and Treatment


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QUESTION:  My sister who lives 1200 miles away has been diagnosed with
connective tissue disease.  Please speak about this disease in your column as
to what we can expect and the cause and cure if any.  She is the only one of 7
children who has this and arthritis to the point where she can barely get
around since she was in her 40's.  She is now 57.  Thank you so much for your
interesting and informative column.

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ANSWER:  One of the most interesting and important tissues in our bodies is
connective tissue.  It serves many purposes, often as the support or framework
around which the organs may form.  The tissue is formed by collagen, a fibrous
protein which is also found in large quantities in ligaments, cartilage,
muscles and bone.  When inflammation strikes at this tissue it is known as
connective tissue disease.  The cause of this inflammatory reaction is not
completely understood, but current thinking is that it represents an auto
immune response.  That occurs when the natural defense mechanisms of the body
strikes at the body's own tissues.  Since connective tissue is such an
important component of so many of the organs and systems in the body, the
results of this disease may present many different appearances.
     Some of the diseases that are classified as connective tissue diseases
include systemic lupus erythematous, scleroderma, polymyositis and
dermatomyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis as well as
Sjogren's syndrome.  But perhaps the disease that you are most interested in,
because of your sister's ailment, is rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  It affects
about 1 percent of the population, is 2 to 3 times more common in women than
in men, and although its onset may occur at any age, most often begins between
the ages of 25 and 50.
     The symptoms are quite extensive, with swelling and pain in the smaller
joints of the hands and feet.  During the episodes of acute flare ups, the
joints become warm to the touch, redden, and the pain may become quite
intense, all signs of an active inflammation.  Morning stiffness after a
night's sleep may last for as long as 30 minutes, and patients frequently
experience early afternoon fatigue as well.  Usually more than one joint is
affected, and the same joint is affected on both sides of the body, a pattern
physicians call "symmetrical".  The disease affects other organs as well
including the heart, the lungs and eyes.
     Though the history and a careful physical examination can be sufficient
to make a diagnosis, laboratory tests are generally used to confirm the
diagnosis.  Abnormal antibodies called the "rheumatoid factors" can be found
in 4 out of 5 patients with this disease.  X-rays are also useful to establish
the amount of joint damage, and to track the progress of the disease.
     Although the periods of flare up are interspersed with calmer times of
relative remission, the disease is a chronic one.  RA is the most crippling
form of arthritis, and I can't predict the course of the disease for you, as
it is variable.  However proper treatment can do a great deal to alleviate the
pain and suffering.  Aspirin is still a basic medication, as are the newer
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).  Corticosteroids are often used
for they produce dramatic short term relief.  Other medications include an
oral gold compound, penicillamine, and immunosuppressive drugs like
methotrexate.  Good nutrition, physiotherapy, exercise and rest are all
important components of a complete treatment plan, and surgical procedures are
often used to remedy deformities and restore a fuller range of motion in
affected joints.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.