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What Does Rheumatic Arthritis With Lymph Node Involvement Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Mar 2014
Question: Someone who is diagnosed at Stage IV RA with nodules present and lymph node involvement; what is the prognosis?
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: No worries, see Rheumatologist Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, Lymph node involvement is really not a serious poor prognostic factor in rheumatic arthritis. Enlarged lymph nodes are simply an indication of an inflammatory process going on. Proper management with use of anti inflammatory drugs like non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and steroids can be very effective. Lymph node involvement is NOT a poor prognostic factor and should not be a call for panic. A proper management of the condition would lead to a good prognosis. I suggest you book an appointment with a rheumatologist. Kind regards. DR Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (6 hours later)
Also claw toes with plantar swelling, dry cough, bilateral nodules elbow, frequent chest pains, swollen ankles, popliteal nodules, palpable nodules in deltoid muscles, walnut-sized. Everything points to stage IV with NO prior medical treatment!
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Treatment, Rheumatologic review Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, The clinical pattern you present with at this point in time deserves proper treatment now. Rheumatoid arthritis actually has diagnostic criteria and you actually got many of the elements in your case. Nodules are for sure one of these criteria. They are quite frequent but really do not determine clinical severity of disease. Could be problematic so much if and only if they cause compression of certain structures like nerves. Treatment of rheumatoid disease with anti inflammatory drugs, steroids, hydroxychloroquine or some cytotoxic drugs would be most helpful. A key aspect in the treatment process is compliance to treatment and a good patient - doctor relationship, since patients respond differently on different drug options. Thanks and kind regards. Dr Bain
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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What Does Rheumatic Arthritis With Lymph Node Involvement Indicate?

Brief Answer: No worries, see Rheumatologist Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, Lymph node involvement is really not a serious poor prognostic factor in rheumatic arthritis. Enlarged lymph nodes are simply an indication of an inflammatory process going on. Proper management with use of anti inflammatory drugs like non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and steroids can be very effective. Lymph node involvement is NOT a poor prognostic factor and should not be a call for panic. A proper management of the condition would lead to a good prognosis. I suggest you book an appointment with a rheumatologist. Kind regards. DR Bain