Rheumatoid Arthritis
Feature Summary
To relive pain, treat arthritis, and avoid disability.
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors resulting in autoimmune-mediated polyarthritis and systemic inflammation. In order to avoid joint destruction and functional impairment, aggressive treatment is often required. The treatment starts from using conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). Biologic therapy or target-synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) are options for patients who have inadequate response to csDMARDs. The aims for RA management are treat-to-target (T2T) approach while minimizing risk at the same time.
Features
For patients already using csDMARDs, biologic therapy or tsDMARDs but having several physically apparent inflamed joints, sono-guided aspiration with local injection provides a safe and an effective way to control the inflammation. This approach facilitates T2T without the risk of immunosuppression-related infections such as tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, herpes, intestinal perforations, or other opportunistic infections.
Procedure
Under the guidance of a high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound, the doctor utilize a fine needle to aspirate the joint fluid and inject local-active glucocorticoid subsequently. If multiple joints are required for treatment, the doctor will design a safe and effective personalized treatment. In general, the injected joint is able to maintain stable for up to 3 months. Sono-guided joint aspiration and local injection is helpful for social function recovery.
Notification
Risks & complications
- Local injection might result in bleeding and ecchymosis. Before the procedure, the doctor will check the platelet count and coagulation functions, and avoid vascular structure during the procedure. This approach will decrease the risk of bleeding and ecchymosis.
- Local glucocorticoid injection is much safer than systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Although the risk of infection is extremely low, the risk of infection is still present. The doctor are always abided by the guideline of aseptic technique.
Estimated Cost
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.