Polyarthritis, systemic

Polyarthritis, Systemic

Polyarthritis, systemic, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation in multiple joints throughout the body. This condition can be a manifestation of various underlying diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, and other systemic illnesses. Understanding the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of systemic polyarthritis is crucial for medical professionals, particularly rheumatologists and internists.

Etiology

Systemic polyarthritis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, leading to chronic inflammation and joint damage.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in multiple organ systems, including the joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis: An inflammatory arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
• Infectious arthritis: Joint inflammation caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• Reactive arthritis: Arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body.
• Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with systemic polyarthritis typically present with:

• Pain and swelling in multiple joints
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Fatigue and malaise
• Fever and weight loss in some cases
• Symmetrical joint involvement, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

The specific pattern of joint involvement and associated symptoms can provide clues to the underlying cause of the polyarthritis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of systemic polyarthritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies:

• Clinical Evaluation: A thorough history and physical examination to assess the pattern of joint involvement and associated symptoms.
• Laboratory Tests: These may include:

 * Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis.
 * Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific autoantibodies for systemic lupus erythematosus.
 * Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to assess inflammation.

• Imaging Studies: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to evaluate joint damage and inflammation.

Management

The management of systemic polyarthritis depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Pharmacological Treatment:

 * Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.
 * Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.
 * Biologic agents targeting specific inflammatory pathways.
 * Corticosteroids for acute inflammation.

• Non-Pharmacological Treatment:

 * Physical therapy to maintain joint function and mobility.
 * Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise.

Prognosis

The prognosis of systemic polyarthritis varies depending on the underlying condition and the effectiveness of treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are key to preventing joint damage and maintaining quality of life.

Also see

• Rheumatology
• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Joint pain

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases