Rheumatoid Arthritis

Precision Medicine

The most advanced medical practices for Rheumatoid Arthritis

IATOR applies the most innovative therapeutic approaches of Precision Medicine, based on the most advanced global medical practices, aiming at the prevention and treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the body’s joints.

At IATOR, through meticulous Genetic, Genomic, and Metabolic Examinations, we can discern the predisposition of an individual to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis before clinical onset. For those already affected, we meticulously decode the precise etiology of the disease. With a strictly tailored medical approach, we attain targeted prevention and efficacious treatment.

• Implementation of high-precision diagnostic examinations
• Identification of Susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Detection of the authentic underlying causes of the disease
• Application of advanced personalized medical treatment protocols, meticulously adapted to the unique needs of each individual organism
• Systematic regulation of the thyroid gland to attain optimal functional levels
• Comprehensive restoration of all organism systems
• Remarkable enhancement in overall quality of life

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Precision Medicine Approach

At IATOR, we possess the capacity to pinpoint and address the fundamental causes of the disease. Our approach involves a sophisticated and individually tailored therapeutic regimen, diverging from conventional treatments such as the prescription of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, or newer biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

While these treatments are frequently essential during acute phases, their primary objective is symptom alleviation, and their prolonged usage may give rise to various adverse effects. The contemporary therapeutic regimen employed at Iatros is an outcome of strategic planning and:

Enhances immune functionality

Facilitates the suppression or inactivity of genes bearing deleterious information, while promoting the sustained activity of those harboring protective information.

Restores cellular biochemical balance and hormonal equilibrium to optimal levels.

Encompasses a personalized dietary program that addresses individuals’ nutritional requirements, considering their metabolic and genetic peculiarities (Precision Nutrition).

Thoroughly reinstates the functionality of all physiological systems, yielding sustained and concurrent results over the long term.

In accordance with the diagnostic results obtained from innovative assessments, individualized instructions are offered to patients. For instance, specifically tailored physiotherapy is suggested, along with personalized recommendations for the most suitable physical exercises. Sea swimming is acknowledged as one of the most advantageous activities for individuals managing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

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Rheumatoid Arthritis – What is it

During the initial phases of the disease, the immune system mistakenly targets your joints. There is a possibility of involvement in surrounding tissues, encompassing muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other organs. The disruption of synovial fluid initiates a distressing inflammatory process, which, over time, can induce persistent systemic inflammation.

As tissue conditions worsen due to recurrent inflammation and immune system activation, joints may undergo deformities. In the advanced stages of the disease, joint functionality may also be suspended or even halted.

Rheumatoid Arthritis stands as one of the 100 types of arthritis, alongside some of the more prevalent ones such as Osteoarthritis, Gout, and Psoriatic Arthritis. Despite differing causes among these types, the shared element is joint pain leading to their eventual destruction.

It exhibits a predilection for affecting 2 to 3 times more women than men. Predominantly, it targets individuals between the ages of 35 and 55. Nevertheless, it is not precluded for individuals of a younger age, including children, to be affected.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Initial Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily encompass pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness surrounding the joints. Patients commonly manifest symptoms in their hands, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Occasionally, there is an onset of acute pain in the back of the head, and it is not excluded that the cervical section of the spine may be affected. Typically, patients will manifest episodes of exacerbation followed by periods of relief, with a general trend towards progressive joint destruction and impairment resulting from systematic inflammation.

The onset of the disease usually occurs slowly in about 2/3 of patients, and often, it goes undiagnosed in the early stages. Due to its systemic inflammatory nature, additional symptoms manifest, including discomfort, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and generalized muscle pain.

Inflammation may extend to other areas of the body. For instance, chest pain may occur if the lungs or heart are affected. Inflammation in the eyes or dry eyes is also a possibility. Rheumatoid Arthritis also impacts the oral cavity, leading to tooth loss in many patients. In certain cases, Rheumatoid Arthritis coexists with Chronic Autoimmune Gingivitis.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis

The physician confirms the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis through clinical, hematological, and potentially imaging tests.

Clinical Tests:

• Joint pain and morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, with a history of previous episodes
• Family history of rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic flu-like symptoms and fatigue
• Three or more tender and swollen joints simultaneously
• Symmetrical involvement in joints in both hands and/or feet
• Pain upon pressure in hands and feet (MCP or MCT joints)
• Presence of rheumatoid nodules (firm lumps under the skin), typically found at common pressure points on the body, especially the elbows.

Blood Tests:

• Rheumatoid Factor (RhF)
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
• Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
• Antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)
• Antibodies against gastric parietal cells (APCA)

Imaging Tests:

X-rays may reveal specific abnormalities in the hands and wrists, providing indications of bone destruction. It is important to note that these abnormalities are typically observed in the advanced stages of the disease.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes

The majority of patients have a genetic predisposition to the disease. There are additional causes, such as environmental toxins, food sensitivities, allergies, stress, injuries, infections, bacterial overgrowth (dysbiosis), Leaky Gut Syndrome, and hormonal imbalances.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Intestinal Microbiota

80-85% of the immune system is rooted in the gut. Therefore, one of the main causes of Autoimmune Diseases, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, is the malfunction of the intestinal tract.

When the epithelial cells of the intestinal wall are damaged, undigested food particles, bacteria, toxins, and other unwanted substances “leak” into the body. An immune system attack is triggered, leading to inflammation. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the joints are affected.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Nutrition

Certain foods, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, play a role in easing the symptoms of the disease and decelerating its advancement, leading to a substantial reduction in joint pain and stiffness. These foods include:

• Foods rich in monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish and nuts).
• Fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidant compounds such as vitamins C and E, and flavonoids.
• Whole grain products, such as oats.
• Nearly all patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis exhibit a deficiency in Vitamin D. Therefore, foods rich in Vitamin D and exposure to sunlight could assist those affected.

Some other foods intensify inflammatory processes and are not recommended for individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis, including:

• Carbohydrates and processed foods rich in preservatives and simple sugars. It is recommended to avoid the consumption of sugar, even that found in honey.
• Trans fats (found in chips, fried potatoes, croissants, etc.) and processed meats.
• Certain vegetables (e.g., tomatoes and eggplants) as they may exacerbate pain and worsen inflammation.
• Gluten and coffee, as gluten promotes inflammation, and coffee is implicated in increasing blood acidity, contributing to the worsening of any inflammation.
• Moderation in salt intake and alcoholic beverages is advised.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Impacts

This condition imposes limitations on mobility, creating challenges in the daily lives of patients. The self-confidence of individuals is notably compromised, with many experiencing symptoms of depression. Additionally, the disease has repercussions in the workplace, as studies reveal that fatigue contributes to an increased likelihood of work absenteeism.

Rheumatoid arthritis can result in a decrease in life expectancy by around 10 to 15 years, although predicting the exact impact on life expectancy is challenging. Nevertheless, numerous patients live with the symptoms of the disease even into their 80s or 90s.

 

 

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