Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis

About 70 to 90 per cent of cases exhibit patients with rheumatoid factors against immunoglobulin G (IgG, involved in the body’s immune response against virus, bacteria, etc.) consequently making them more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. In diagnosing the disorder, patients undergo various laboratory diagnostic procedures such as complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, X-rays, and antinuclear antibodies. A patient may be diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis through the above-mentioned laboratory procedures, if the blood tests reveal the absence of rheumatoid factors.

Patients with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis symptoms lack rheumatoid factors which can be used as a tool to determine the degree of the disease. Thus, patients are advised to keep a record diary of flare ups or increased rheumatoid attacks, detailing the severity and frequency. This will assist the doctor in identifying whether the disease is progressing and the responsiveness of the patient to treatment.

Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis symptoms develop in the genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to an unidentified environmental factor. Autoimmune responses cause inflammation and damage of the joints and tendons which is accompanied with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Tender, swollen joints, muscle aches and stiffness in the morning, fever, fatigue, lethargy, and hindered movement are other seronegative rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Flare-ups may occur alternatively with periods of symptom remission or after rest. This may cause limited mobility of the fingers, heel and wrists. There are cases where rheumatoid nodules, lumps arising from underneath the skin, develop in overused joint areas (e.g ankles, elbows, etc.)

Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment and Management

Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis treatment and management involves medications that target pain and inflammation of the joints as well as preventing any further damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium ease pain and swelling of the joints. In potentially harmful inflammations, corticosteroids are given to the patient in addition to DMARDs and NSAIDs. DMARDs or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (methotrexate, hydroxycholorquine), and biologic agents (adalimumab, rituximab) are given to prevent joint damage and hopefully cure the disorder.

People may opt for natural home remedies for relief and management of arthritic pain, but this should not be substituted for medical intervention especially in serious cases. Patients may apply hot or cold compress to relieve pain in the joints. Acupuncture, an alternative Chinese therapy which uses fine needles inserted to select points in the body, can also soothe joint and muscular aches. Topical lotions, electrical stimulation, massages, and relaxation techniques are also useful for pain relief from seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.