Polyarthritis

Diagram of the human skeleton, often affected by polyarthritis

Polyarthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of five or more joints simultaneously. It is a type of arthritis that can result from various underlying causes, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and other systemic conditions. Polyarthritis can lead to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life.

Causes

Polyarthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, particularly the synovium, leading to joint inflammation.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus: Another autoimmune disease that can cause widespread inflammation and tissue damage, including in the joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis: A form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, characterized by joint pain and swelling.
• Infectious arthritis: Joint inflammation caused by an infection, such as bacterial or viral infections.
• Gout: A type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Symptoms

The symptoms of polyarthritis can vary depending on the underlying cause but generally include:

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Swelling and warmth in the affected joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Reduced range of motion
• Fatigue and general malaise

Diagnosis

Diagnosing polyarthritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic steps include:

• Medical history and physical examination to assess joint involvement and systemic symptoms.
• Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as well as specific antibodies like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA).
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to evaluate joint damage and inflammation.

Treatment

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

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune-related polyarthritis, such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine.
• Biologic agents targeting specific components of the immune system, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.
• Corticosteroids to control severe inflammation.
• Physical therapy to maintain joint function and mobility.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with polyarthritis varies widely depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent joint damage, improving the overall outcome for patients.

Related pages

• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout