Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that primarily causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from the wear and tear of cartilage, RA occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (synovium). This attack leads to inflammation, which can eventually cause joint erosion and deformity.

While RA most commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet, it can also impact other joints like the wrists, elbows, knees, shoulders, and ankles.

Furthermore;

The inflammation associated with RA can extend beyond the joints, potentially affecting organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and preserve joint function.

The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis often develop gradually over several weeks or months, though some cases can progress more quickly. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go, with periods of increased disease activity (flares) and periods of remission.

Common symptoms include:

Joint Pain: Often a throbbing and aching pain, typically worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity.

Joint Stiffness: Affected joints feel stiff, particularly in the morning, and can last for longer than 30 minutes, distinguishing it from other types of arthritis.

Joint Swelling, Warmth, and Redness: The inflamed joint lining leads to swelling, making the joints feel hot and tender to touch.

Symmetrical Joint Involvement: RA typically affects the same joints on both sides of the body (e.g., both hands or both feet), though this is not always the case.

Fatigue and Lack of Energy: General tiredness is a common systemic symptom.

Fever and Poor Appetite: Some individuals may experience a low-grade fever and a decrease in appetite, potentially leading to weight loss.

Rheumatoid Nodules: Firm lumps can develop under the skin, often near affected joints.

Other Systemic Symptoms: Inflammation can sometimes affect other body areas, leading to symptoms like dry eyes, chest pain (if the heart or lungs are affected), or issues with other organs.

The exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, specifically the synovium (the lining of the joints).

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing RA include:

Genetics: Certain genes are linked to an increased risk of RA, although not everyone with these genes will develop the disease.

Gender: Women are significantly more likely to develop RA than men.

Age: While RA can occur at any age, it most commonly develops between the ages of 40 and 60.

Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor and can increase the severity of RA.

Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk and severity of RA.

Environmental Triggers: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as specific infections or air pollution, may trigger RA in genetically predisposed individuals.

Hormones: Hormonal factors are thought to play a role, given the higher prevalence in women and potential changes in symptoms during and after pregnancy.

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis can be challenging in its early stages as symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. There isn't a single definitive test for RA. A comprehensive diagnosis usually involves:

Physical Examination: A doctor will examine your joints for swelling, warmth, tenderness, and assess your range of motion.

Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history, and other relevant medical information.

Blood Tests:

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP): These tests measure levels of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels suggest inflammation but are not specific to RA.

Rheumatoid Factor (RF): An antibody found in the blood of many people with RA, though some individuals with RA may test negative, and some healthy individuals may test positive.

Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Antibodies: These antibodies are highly specific for RA and can be present even before symptoms appear.

Imaging Tests:

X-rays: Used to monitor joint damage over time, although early RA may not show significant changes.

Ultrasound and MRI scans: These can provide more detailed images of joint inflammation and damage, helping to differentiate RA from other types of arthritis and monitor disease progression.

While there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, early and aggressive treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach often involves a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery.

Conventional Medical Treatments:

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Help reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory medications used to quickly reduce pain and swelling, often prescribed for short-term relief during flares.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These medications slow the progression of RA and prevent permanent joint damage. Common DMARDs include methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine.

Biologic Agents: A newer class of DMARDs that target specific components of the immune system involved in inflammation. They are often used when conventional DMARDs are not effective.

Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: Oral medications that block signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory process.

Other Supportive Therapies:

Physical Therapy: Exercises to maintain joint flexibility, strength, and range of motion.

Occupational Therapy: Helps individuals adapt daily activities to reduce joint stress and maintain independence.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Regular Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can help.

Healthy Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may be beneficial.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints.

Smoking Cessation: Crucial for improving RA outcomes.

Stress Management: Techniques like relaxation and meditation can help manage pain and fatigue.

Surgery: In cases of severe joint damage, surgical options such as joint replacement (arthroplasty) may be considered to relieve pain and improve function.

Advanced Regenerative Therapies at Concord Stem Cell Limited:

Concord Stem Cell Limited, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is pioneering advanced regenerative therapies for various conditions, including Rheumatoid Arthritis. With DGDA approval, we utilize Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs) as our signature product for their remarkable regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.

How UC-MSCs May Help in Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from the umbilical cord, possess unique abilities that make them a promising therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases like RA:

Immunomodulation: UC-MSCs can help regulate the overactive immune system in RA, reducing the inflammatory attack on joint tissues. They can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which help to restore immune balance.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: MSCs migrate to inflamed areas and produce anti-inflammatory agents, helping to reduce pain, swelling, and tenderness in affected joints.

Tissue Regeneration: While RA primarily involves inflammation, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage. UC-MSCs have the potential to promote the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues within the joints.

Concord Stem Cell Limited is committed to providing high-standard healthcare using state-of-the-art cGMP-compliant laboratories and a dedicated scientific team. We aim to offer innovative cellular solutions to improve and transform lives for patients suffering from chronic and "incurable" diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Our approach with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells offers a potential new avenue for managing RA, focusing on the body's natural healing capabilities and immune system regulation.

We encourage you to contact Concord Stem Cell Limited to discuss your condition and explore if UC-MSC therapy could be a suitable option for your Rheumatoid Arthritis management.