#rheumatological diseases

[ankurahospitalvijayawada]

Top 10 Signs of Autoimmune Disease in Children

Parents try to keep their children away from any harm coming their way. They constantly monitor their growth and development and watch for signs of illness. However, there are a few diseases in children that they find very hard to diagnose. One of these is autoimmune disease, entailing a group of intricate disorders whereby the body’s immunity stages an attack against a number of healthy cells, tissues, and organs of the body.

Autoimmune Disease in Children

When the immune system begins to attack the body’s healthy cells, tissues, and organs, results in development of autoimmune (rheumatic) disorders.

Even though autoimmune diseases are typically linked to adults, parents should be aware that children can also be affected by similar conditions, which tend to be much severe in kids. This group of diseases is often challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat in children .

The common autoimmune diseases affecting children include various subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, a type of arthritis that lasts at least six weeks in children under the age of sixteen years; connective tissue disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, vasculitis disorders like Kawasaki disease and Henoch schonlein purpura

Autoimmune diseases can cause problem in a single specific organ and cause organ-specific diseases (also known as localized) like liver and skin. However, most rheumatological diseases cause systemic involvement i.e., problems throughout the body. For example

-Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects the skin, eyes, blood, and other organs like lung in addition to the joints

-Juvenile dermatomyositis affects the muscles and skin

– Lupus causes multiorgan involvement:, kidneys, joints, skin, heart, brain, liver

Top 10 Signs of Autoimmune Disease in Children

Fever – prolonged or recurrent

Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints

Limping of child

Weakness and pain in muscle

Loss or brittleness of hair

Skin rashes – butterfly shape across the cheeks, rash on eyelids, elbows, salmon pink rash on trunk, psoriasis , etc

Loss of weight without an apparent reason

Ongoing fatigues for which a cause cannot be identified

Poor growth

Swollen lymph glands

Enlarged liver and spleen

Redness of eyes, decrease in vision- uveitis

Changes in behavior and mood

Multiorgan involvement

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Unknown is the precise cause behind some children’s immune systems attacking their own bodies. We do know that there is no known etiology of autoimmune disorders, and they are not communicable. Scientists, on the other hand, think that a few steps are involved:

Heredity: Some children are susceptible to an autoimmune disease due to specific genes that are inherited from their parents.

Environmental factors: Unless an infection, exposure to sun, or other trigger occurs, an autoimmune disease may not manifest itself first.

Hormonal factors: Since many autoimmune disorders affect young women and girls in their adolescence, female hormones may also be involved in the onset of many diseases.

How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed?

Pediatricians have unique challenges while dealing with autoimmune disorders. Fever and fatigue are two of the first symptoms that are often generic, meaning they can occur in a wide range of conditions. Many times, symptoms come and go. A single autoimmune disease may present differently in each individual or might possess characteristics with several autoimmune disorders.

A pediatric rheumatologist will first do a comprehensive physical examination and review your child’s whole medical history, including any family history of autoimmune disease. The physician might suggest further lab tests to obtain more details if they suspect an autoimmune condition.

Complete blood count” (CBC) refers to a group of laboratory tests used to determine the size, quantity, and maturity of various blood cells in a given volume of blood.

The liver produces a unique protein, which is measured by the C-reactive protein (CRP). When there is significant inflammation, such as that observed in autoimmune diseases, anywhere in the body, CRP levels usually rise. The initial CBC, ESR AND CRP give a clue towards provisional diagnosis. Further testing on specific tests might be needed in symptoms

The immune system produces abnormal proteins, when it attacks its own tissues. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and Rheumatoid factor (RF) are one among those.

In order to rule out conditions like infections, tumors, and fractures, the doctor might also choose to examine your child’s organs and tissues more closely. Imaging tests like Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound will be needed.

Sometimes, in order to diagnose the illness or obtain an indication of how it is developing, your child’s physician will actually take a sample of your child’s tissues, a procedure known as a biopsy.

How are Autoimmune Diseases Treated?

Pediatric rheumatologists are often the primary carers for patients with autoimmune diseases. The care of your child may involve other experts such as a dermatologist (skin), hepatologist (liver), and a nephrologist (kidneys), depending on which tissues or organs are affected. Most autoimmune disorders have no known cure, clinicians strive to do much more than simply treat your child’s symptoms can be well controlled with proper treatment and can lead a normal life.

Your doctor will prescribe medications that combat the damaging inflammation brought on by an autoimmune attack by controlling the immune system.

[blitzsicedcoffee]

Yep.

Rheumatologist left a message saying I have autoimmune thyroid disease or Hashimoto's.

It just gets worse over time but the problem is that it's hormone based and my hormone is still in "normal" range even though I'm feeling a fuck ton of symptoms.

So they can't treat it til my thyroid fails.

Family curse gang rise up lol

[tumble-tv]

Rheumatologist time, let's see how bland and unhelpful it is again

[jedimaster941]

Biologic Hangover

This is a question I get in my support groups a lot!

Why do I feel so tired after taking my biologic?

A very fair question. We call it the "Humira Hangover" (even if you aren't using Humira, the alliteration is important)

It can be different for everyone, but typically, when starting out with a new biologic treatment (Humira, Enbrel, Cosentyx, etc.) you will feel a bit tired to freaking exhausted a day or two after.

Usually this will only last the first few months after starting. Maybe longer or shorter, but it seems to happen to everyone.

For me, I'm exhausted the day of injection, so I try to do my shot at night so it will help me sleep.

Again, it is not an exact science, but, yes, for those who are wondering.. it is a totally normal part of being a biologic user.

[spookysalem13]

Chronic excruciating pain can fully kiss 💋 my a$$! I've been living like this my whole life. I'm tired 😫 I can't take this anymore! I'm livid, I'm angry, I'm PI$$ED OFF! Why don't doctors want to help you? 😒 They've been letting me suffer & I'm sick & tired of it!

I'm only 24 years old I shouldn't be stuck in bed! This is a load of BS! When my doctor hears from me today I make zero promises to be nice 😑.

I'm going to be as loud as I need to be until someone hears me screaming to death in tears from the inside 😭. I need HELP! I don't want this to be my life... why don't they get that?

Did doctors go to school to become heartless & dumb is that lesson number 1? How to make your patient suffer the most?

UGHHHHH! IM SO MAD! I'm snapping at the people I care about because I can't take living in my own meat suit anymore. How screwed is that?! I haven't slept for more than 3 hours a night in 8 months! Because pain insomnia is real! I can't even rest anymore because I can't get comfortable.

I'm so tired! I hurt everywhere all the time... I can't do this anymore. It's so much stress on me I'm burning 🔥 down from the inside.

[queerpossums]

i live somewhere that is not supposed to be 90* in june. it is 90* in june. my immune system is actively attacking the rest of my body and the temperature is helping.

environmental justice is disability justice

[advocarerheumatology]

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Enhancing Precision in Rheumatologic Care

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is transforming the diagnosis and treatment of various joint and soft tissue conditions. This powerful, non-invasive imaging tool has become indispensable in the management of rheumatologic diseases, offering real-time insights into joint and tissue health. It not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also plays a vital role in guiding procedures like arthrocentesis and joint injections with precision.

What is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the musculoskeletal system. Unlike traditional X-rays, ultrasound captures real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints without exposing patients to radiation. This method is highly effective for evaluating inflammatory and degenerative conditions, helping physicians make faster and more accurate diagnoses for conditions that impact mobility and cause pain.

Advantages of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Non-Invasive and Radiation-Free

Ultrasound is a safe imaging technique that avoids radiation exposure, making it ideal for frequent use, especially in chronic conditions like rheumatologic diseases that require ongoing assessment.

Real-Time Imaging

Musculoskeletal ultrasound enables real-time assessment of structures during motion, offering insights that static imaging methods may miss. This feature is particularly helpful for pinpointing issues in tendons or joints as the patient moves.

Precision in Arthrocentesis and Joint Injections

Ultrasound guidance significantly enhances the precision of procedures like arthrocentesis and joint injections. With real-time visualization, physicians can accurately target inflamed joints or specific areas needing medication, improving both the efficacy and comfort of treatments.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Managing Rheumatologic Diseases

Rheumatologic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis, often require precise imaging to monitor disease progression and assess treatment response. Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows clinicians to visualize inflammation, fluid accumulation, and structural damage within joints and soft tissues, offering essential data for timely interventions.

Detecting Early Signs of Disease

Early diagnosis is crucial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where prompt treatment can slow or even prevent joint damage. Musculoskeletal ultrasound detects early signs of joint inflammation, synovitis, and erosion before they become visible on X-rays, allowing for quicker treatment decisions.

Tracking Disease Progression

Ultrasound is highly effective in monitoring changes in joint health over time, helping healthcare providers assess whether treatments are successfully reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. This ongoing monitoring is essential for adjusting treatment plans and improving patient outcomes.

Reducing Pain with Targeted Injections

For patients with rheumatologic diseases, pain relief is a priority. Ultrasound-guided injections allow physicians to accurately deliver medications into the affected joint or surrounding soft tissues, maximizing relief while minimizing side effects.

Arthrocentesis and Joint Injections: Ultrasound-Guided Precision

Arthrocentesis, the process of extracting fluid from joint and joint injections are common procedures in rheumatologic care. When guided by musculoskeletal ultrasound, these procedures are more efficient and effective:

Enhanced Accuracy

Ultrasound guidance ensures that the needle is precisely placed within the targeted joint or tissue, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring medication is delivered to the correct area.

Increased Patient Comfort

With ultrasound, patients experience less discomfort and anxiety, as the procedure can be completed quickly with minimal discomfort.

Improved Outcomes

Studies show that ultrasound-guided injections are more effective, with patients reporting greater pain relief and fewer complications than those receiving non-guided injections.

[graysongoal]

This is TONIGHT!!

Have you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis? Do you have questions or need resources?

Consider attending my Facebook Live TONIGHT, February 8th, at 8 pm Eastern. I'll be walking through some new and improved — and rheumy-approved — JIA resources.

Come hang out on my Facebook page at 8 pm Eastern.

[randomwikiarticles]

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (/ˌfaɪbroʊdɪˈspleɪʒ(i)ə ɒˈsɪfɪkænz prəˈɡrɛsɪvə/;[1] abbr. FOP), also called Münchmeyer disease or formerly myositis ossificans progressiva, is an extremely rare connective tissue disease in which fibrous connective tissue such as muscle, tendons, and ligaments turn into bone tissue. It is the only known medical condition where one organ system changes into another.[2] It is a severe, disabling disorder with no cure or treatment.

FOP is caused by a mutation of the gene ACVR1. The mutation affects the body's repair mechanism, causing fibrous tissue including muscle, tendons, and ligaments to become ossified, either spontaneously or when damaged as the result of trauma. In many cases, otherwise minor injuries can cause joints to become permanently fused as new bone forms, replacing the damaged muscle tissue. This new bone formation (known as "heterotopic ossification") eventually forms a secondary skeleton and progressively restricts the patient's ability to move. Bone formed as a result of this process is identical to "normal" bone, simply in improper locations. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the disease can cause joint degradation separate from its characteristic bone growth.[3]

Surgical removal of the extra bone growth has been shown to cause the body to "repair" the affected area with additional bone. Although the rate of bone growth may differ depending on the patient, the condition ultimately leaves sufferers immobilized as new bone replaces musculature and fuses with the existing skeleton. This has earned FOP the nickname "stone man disease".[4]

[bluegoblinfox]

Health

My ANA was positive but my ENA was negative for five specific antibodies. GP has ordered more specific antibodies and immunoglobulin blood tests, as well as some x-rays of my hands. With a view to refer to rheumatology after.

I'm really pleased with this outcome and I know I may not get answers for a while yet but at least things are moving in the right direction.

[blitzsicedcoffee]

Thinking about the visit to the first Rheumatologist that brushed me off and wouldn't diagnose me with anything. And how she continued to talk about how clean and perfect my face looked and nails looked.

While I told her my symptoms.

"See if you had what you think you have, you'd have worse cuticles, also you'd have a raised rash on your face"

Me answering, "Actually only like 20% get that and I have a rash it's just not raised but it matches-"

Her interrupting me, "Anyway I think it's Fibromyalgia, not Lupus".

Hey that was FUCKED.

[tumble-tv]

Little vent, I'm stressed and tired

I've been working with the same rheumatologist for about ten years, and we've never had a problem until recently. I take Humira, and for the past four or so months, I have not received my doses. It's not the insurance. It's not the script. It's the doctor. She has not fulfilled my script for this life-saving medication. I've been in remission for about three years, and I now risk exiting it because of her. I hate change, I really do, but I may have to switch back to the rheumatologist I had when I was a toddler, before the current one. I don't want to, and I especially don't want to leave remission, but if this keeps going, I'll have to. We're making an emergency appointment to talk about this, wish me luck, boys.

[drpedi07]

Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) Calculator

Assess disease activity in Ankylosing Spondylitis

[kikirambles]

i saw the timetable for next year online (idk how accurate this is but our uni wont give us our schedule till the week before probably -_-) and i dont see any dermatology and msk stuff???? im so confused why did they cut it out. i hope its under some of the other rotations since they changed the names for some stuff and now i have no idea what it is

[literaturepublishersjournal]

Clinical Images and Case Reports Journal 

About Journal

Clinical Images and Case Reports Journal (CICRJ) is a peer-reviewed indexed medical journal established Internationally which provides a platform to publish Clinical Images, Medical Case Reports, Clinical Case Reports, Case Series (series of 2 to 6 cases), Research and Clinical Videos in Medicine. Clinical image journal is a indexed journal accepting clinical images submission, journal of clinical images, journals publishing clinical images in medicine, clinical imaging submission journal and medical illustrations etc. Journal of clinical case reports publishes case reports in clinical medicine, clinical reports, journals accepting clinical case reports submission and journal of clinical cases. Journal of medical case reports publishing medical case reports, journals accepting medical case reports submission etc.

[beazt]

autoimmune & immunocompromised side of tumblr I need advice

I recently got diagnosed with an immunodeficiency (IgA) and developed an autoimmune condition (undiagnosed as of yet to know which, but my doctors agree it’s definitely something autoimmune due to test results and symptoms) and yesterday a cold sent me to the ER.

I’m really struggling mentally with this. I’m scared to death. Like, I always get sick if someone breathes at me wrong, am I now going to be going to the ER every time I get sick? I had to go because I was vomiting and had a rapidly rising fever that hit 103.2°F when I left for the ER. The ER told me I just had a cold being complicated by the suspected autoimmune condition.

I have such big career plans, and my career plans are all I have left going for me. I’m terrified that I won’t be able to physically handle my career path anymore, that it’ll be too big a risk to my health. I’m already chronically ill and disabled without the autoimmune and immunodeficiency, and already had concerns about my career being too intense.

I’m just downright terrified for my future. What can I expect in terms of treatment outcomes? What can I expect in terms of my future? What can I do to ensure I don’t lose my career?